Breaking Free From DepressionSample

Sadness vs. Depression

Sadness is normal. Everyone feels it from time to time. Whether it's an unexpected breakup, disappointing news or something else, sadness is usually the direct result of a discouraging situation. It typically doesn’t last very long, and doesn't impair your functioning and thinking.

Depression, on the other hand, is something more extreme. Depression involves emotions that interfere with your state of mind, making basic functioning difficult and distorting your view of God, self, and life in general.

• Unlike sadness, depression is a serious condition that:
• Involves a loss of self-esteem.
• Lasts weeks to months.
• Convinces us there is no hope.
• And disrupts our relationships.

God’s Word is not silent about either sadness or depression. Though the Bible doesn’t use the word depression it does refer to “the pit” as a place of despair. The Psalms are a rollercoaster of emotion – from the heights of joy at God’s salvation to the pit of despair in feeling like God is absent.

In Psalm 42, we catch a glimpse of King David’s experience of suffering as he was running for his life. As you read, notice how he expresses his emotions: his deep longing for God, his endless tears, his sense of drowning under violent waves, his wondering if God has forgotten him. Then in Psalm 103 you see him thank God for helping him, lifting him up and giving him strength.

These were David’s words to God, spoken at one of the lowest points of his life. And by God’s inspiration, they are God’s words back to us. God wants us to bring every sadness, fear and anger to him. Trusting God with these feelings and the circumstances that cause them is a positive step toward hope. Despite the feeling of his absence, he is present, directing his love toward you. He is with you.