Is Depression a Sin Part 2

Wayne Mack in Out of the Blues labels the second form of depression as moderate depression. While mild depression is a sadness or sorrow in response to experiences and is common to all believers, moderate depression is due to a wrong response to mild depression. If a believer experiences mild depression yet does not submit to his feelings, the mild depression will not escalate to moderate depression. However, if a believer experiences mild depression and submits to his feelings, the mild depression will escalate to moderate depression. The person who experiences moderate depression focuses on their circumstances and their feelings rather than on God. Mack says, "People who do this are ruled by their spirits, neglect biblical responsibilities, lose hope, and find that they get less and less satisfaction from spiritual things." This person's mind is focused on the negative feelings and emotions rather than on God and His power and promises and purposes. Examples of this form of depression found in Scripture are Asaph in Psalm 73, Jeremiah in Lamentations, and the Psalmist in Psalms 42 and 43. 

I admit that I am this person. When something that I perceive as "bad" happens, it becomes the focus of my thoughts. Rather than focusing my thoughts upward to the Lord, they are focused on feelings of hurt, loneliness, worthlessness, anger, etc. It is hard to pray; it is hard to read the Bible; it is hard to go to church. I know that I should focus on the Lord, yet there is a such a strong pull to focus on my feelings. 

Some verses that apply here are:

Colossians 3:1-4

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Romans 8:5-6

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,