Out of the Blues: Application Questions from Chapter 1 Part 1

 After recording my initial thoughts about chapter 1 from Out of the Blues by Wayne Mack, I thought maybe it would be prudent to step back and take some time to carefully consider the application questions. 

1. How common is the problem of depression in society?

The answer to this question really depends on the definition of depression. Certainly, everyone at some point in time experiences feelings of sadness or anxiety or disappointment or difficulty concentrating. These are all symptoms of depression. Probably for many people, this is simply a response to circumstances and likely the majority of people currently being medicated for depression fall into this category. According to Mack's experience as a biblical counselor, depression can affect people of any age, any ethnicity, any economic status, even any educational background. Mack is very careful to point out that he is not addressing depression that is "physically or biologically induced."

2. What is meant by the statement that depression is truly a "democratic" disorder?

This statement indicates that depression affects people of any gender, age, ethnicity, economic status, social status, and educational background.

3. What are the three categories of depression?

The three categories are mild, moderate and severe. 

4. Why is the word "depression" described as a "catchall term"?

The word depression is used to describe a variety of emotional experiences ranging from sadness to utter despair, so depression is really a catchall term. When we say someone is depressed, it's not clear where that person falls along the spectrum of depression. Thus, it is helpful to think of the different categories of depression mentioned above.

5. What biblical examples were given of the first category of depression?

Jesus: Jesus came to earth as both man and God. In His humanity, He experienced feelings of sorrow and sadness. Scripture records times when Jesus experienced these emotions, when He learned of the death of John the Baptist, when followers left Him, when Mary wept at His feet after the death of Lazarus. Although Jesus experienced these feelings and emotions, He was not controlled by His emotions. He always followed the will of His Father in Heaven. Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and  I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." (John 8:28-29)

6. What are some symptoms of this kind of depression?

Some symptoms of this type of depression are discouragement, disappointment, and sadness.

7. What reasons were given to support the idea that there is nothing wrong with a Christian experiencing sorrow?

Mack points out that in Scripture we observe that a person may experience joy and sorrow at the same time. Some examples he provides are:

• Ecclesiastes 3:4: There is "a time to weep and a time to laugh."
• 1 Peter 1:6: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials."
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13: "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope." 

My grief as a Christian should not be like that of the non-Christian. I may experience grief but I should never lose hope. I can always have hope in the coming of Jesus and the promised resurrection while experiencing the downs of life in a sinful world. I can and should always have joy in the midst of sorrow.