Can a Spiritually Mature Christian be Depressed?

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Can a Spiritually Mature Christian Be Depressed?
inspired by J. Oswald Sanders book, A Spiritual Clinic

Depression and mental breakdowns are seemingly more common than ever before. I don't know if that is because they are more common or because people are more willing to talk about them and admit it than ever before. But, I do know that this is not a new thing! Even some of the giants of the Biblical record were knocked down by depression occasionally. We should all be aware that we have a very real enemy who is working to drag us down and discouragement and depression are frequent weapons in the spiritual battle.

If you are one who is or has struggled with the twin monsters of despair and depressions, I hope today's show will give you hope. At the least, you should know that you are not alone and that is isn't necessarily a sign of spiritual immaturity (though it could be, sometimes, sorry...).

Sanders gives us some thoughts on both the cause of depression in an otherwise healthy mature believer as well as some ideas on where to look for help in our time of need.

First lets look at three men in the Bible. Here are there words to God.

Moses  - Numbers11:14-15 I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now—if I have found favor in Your sight—and do not let me see my wretchedness!”

Elijah - 1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Jonah - Jonah 4:3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”

Wow, three great men of God who were so beaten down that they all three prayed for death!  Sanders mentions that it is probably significant that these three men are great prophets and yet God reveals their weakness. How much more can a nobody like me be subject to feelings of despair and insignificance. They are example of the reality of this kind of pain, even in the midst of a successful ministry, as well as examples of God's provision for our weakness. His grace is sufficient.

Moses had lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and  and seen God work astounding miracles on their behalf. And yet, after suffering long with their continued complaints and rebellion against him and against God, Moses was tired. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Moses had tried to carry the burden of leadership alone and crumbled under the pressure. Moses was carrying a weight that he wasn't meant to bear.

Elijah was hot off of one of the most dramatic victories against the prophets of Baal in the Old Testament. He had just received fresh confirmation of God's hand on him and God's faithfulness to His Word. And yet, in an instant, his courage fled and he ended up hiding under a juniper tree as Jezebel threatened his life. From the highest of highest to the lowest of lows so quickly. Does that sound familiar to you? And yet, God's grace is sufficient.

Jonah, after fleeing from God, being traumatized by an ocean voyage and it's abrupt end, finished well. Sharing God's message and seeing the whole city of Nineveh repent! One of the biggest celebrations in history, right? Not exactly. Jonah had other ideas and they were thwarted by God's grace. He ended up sitting alone and complaining, eventually succumbing to the temptation of self-pity and praying for death.

Why did each of these men turn so easily from God's marvelous hand at work in, through and around them?  Here are four potential reasons that you may be able to relate to as well.

First, they were in a very real spiritual battle with a very real enemy.

Second, they were physically tired from the battle.

Third, they judged success by what they could see and know about their part of the spiritual battle and felt defeated.

Fourth, they took their eyes off of God for just an instant, and the temptation to selfishness and defeatism took hold.

How did God work in each man's life?
Moses received the help of 70 men who would share in his burden of leadership.
Elijah received solitude and refreshment form God along with the news that 7,000 others had not bowed to Baal. He was not alone!
Jonah received a lesson on God's mercy in the form of a plant.

What are our takeaways?
Depression can follow spiritual success or spiritual failure.
Our physical condition can open us up to spiritual attack.
Taking our eyes off of God, even for an instant, can be devastating to our faith.
Take solace in the Jethros and thousands of others who are in the fight with you.
God cares. His grace is with you even in the depths of despair,