Some of the godliest men in the Bible and in church history have suffered great depths of depression in their lives. Job, Elijah and Moses all broke under the strain of their ministry and prayed that they might die. This depression is something that affects us in our bodies. It is more than in the mind or simply negative thoughts. It takes over the whole person. Job has lost his wife, family and possessions. He is being inflicted by boils all over his body. Now he is being “comforted” by his “friends” who accuse him of doing something to deserve this evil. Job begins to lament and full of depression and despair. There are three laments in the chapter.

1 – Why did I arrive? (vs. 1-10)

Job wonders why he was even born in the first place. He is so depressed he no longer cares what he says. He is losing sound judgment. There is a distorted view of life and God. Things become exaggerated. See Job 6:2-3. Job later realises he has been rash earlier. He probably shouldn’t have spoken.

2 – Why did I survive? (vs. 11-19)

Job wishes he had died in child birth (vs. 11-12). Job can find no reason for his life while in this deep depression. He had been placed on his father’s knee when born. He can’t understand why his mother let him live.

Job’s description of death (vs. 13-19) – The Bible is a progressive revelation. Job is expressing death as a time or release. He thinks if he dies he may regain his former glory. He would rather be with the wicked in death than the misery he is now in! We should not be too critical of Job. We know more than Job would have known because of the revelation of the New Testament. Death is no dreamless sleep. It brings us into the presence of God to face judgment. Suicide is not the answer. Don’t curse God and die. The negative stuff is from the enemy and not from God. Job eventually comes out of this deep depression and sees more clearly.

3 – Why am I alive? (vs. 20-26)

It is okay to ask why? However, God does not have to give you an answer. Jesus asked “why” on the cross. The things that had meant so much to Job have been taken away. Job is not contemplating suicide – he could have done it already if he was – he is just asking out loud. He wonders why God has not ended his life. Job does not lose his faith in God. He struggles, questions and defies. Yet he will triumph in his faith. See Job 13:15; 16:19 & 19:25. In the end it is Job who saves the lives of his friends by them offering a sacrifice to God and him praying for them! See Job 42:7-8.

4 – Examining depression

• The reality of depression – It is a big problem throughout the world. It is the number one mental health problem. It is found equally in men and women and goes across all age groups. It affects the work place and is the main causes of absenteeism. Depression has been called “the common cold” of the soul. At some time everyone experiences it.
• The recognition of depression – if you have four of the following symptoms then you should probably go see someone and get some help.

1. Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
2. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
3. Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
4. Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
5. Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
6. Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
7. Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
8. Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
9. Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

• The routine of depression – The height of the wave determines the depth of the valley. This is often the routine in depression. Elijah was used by God to bring fire from heaven and yet within a few hours he was running for his life from Jezebel! After a mountain top experience you can quickly experience the valley.
• The response to depression – There are many ways to respond. We need to face our depression honestly. Job did not hide his feelings. It helped him get back to good health. Honesty is always the best policy. See Job 7:11. Job does no abandon his faith. He gets fed up of trying to put a good face on things. It is not sin – it is honesty. He is not putting a “spin” on his walk with God. He is in a dark place and he acknowledges it.
• The result of depression – Job express confidence in the end result before the end. See Job 23:10. When you go through testing and trust in God you come out of it with a greater intimacy with God in your life. See Job 42:5-6. Depression is often the valley before the mountain top! We cannot be on a high all the time. The valleys will not last all the time. God did not spare his Son from affliction but brought Him to glory. You can get past depression and turn out with gold in your life.

Categories: Job