How one handles stress is a key factor to our overall health – both mentally and physically. I don’t believe it is an understatement to say that stress is a major killer in our fast-paced American society today. It has been scientifically proven that stress can cause heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach problems, and a host of other physical ailments. In addition, an improper handling of stress can lead to anxiety and even depression.
And it is on this last point of the relationship between stress and depression that I would like to focus on. When we allow stress to overwhelm us our finely-tuned bodies often can’t tolerate the waves of pressure that stress can evoke in our bodies and minds. For example, if we are going through a financial crisis, we may begin to constantly worry how we will be able to make ends meet. Stress and worry are close cousins and stress often leads to worrying about everything under the sun. Since we know that our brains connect to every organ in our body, through a myriad of nerve cells and connections, as we constantly stress and worry over the issues of life, the negative energy that this causes can easily cause a host of physical conditions like the ones I mentioned in my opening paragraph. In addition, stress overloads our brains often causing anxiety which can lead to depression.
Stress can lead to loss of appetite, loss of sleep, headaches, and yes eventually to anxiety and depression since we often don’t see any way out of our problems. I believe if left unchecked, stress will cause all kinds of physical and mental ailments. Depression is one of the more serious outcomes of failing to handle stress properly. Failure to handle stress properly often leads to a loss of hope which may lead to some of the classic symptoms of depression such as loss of sleep, loss of appetite and intense feeling of sadness. Another name for this stress induced depression is situational depression. This is not to be confused with clinical depression which involves a chemical imbalance in the brain, which neither will power or even prayer, in most cases can cure. In this type of depression medication is needed to help restore the brain’s chemistry back to normal.
In America today, most people who suffer with depression mishandle stress badly and, therefore, it is situational in nature. Fortunately for us the Bible has a world of helpful prescriptions on how to handle stress and its other cousin – depression. For you see God created you and knows how you can function at peak efficiency with maximum peace, joy, and minimal stress. The key, as you will see from my examples below, is to take the burdens you are carrying in life and give them over to God.
We read in (I Peter 5:7): “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We were never meant to live a life full of anxiety. It is so important to realize that God has your back, and you can give him all of your cares, concerns, and anxiety – He is more than capable to deal with them while we are not.
(Matthew 11:28-30) tells us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus tells us to come to Him and be yoked to Him. In biblical times two oxen were paired together and put in a harness type of device called a yoke. Many times, an older experienced ox was yoked with a young inexperienced ox. The older ox could train the younger ox and many times would carry and pull the majority of the load. This is a beautiful picture of letting Jesus teach and disciple us. When we let Jesus lead there is peace in not having to figure life out on our own. There’s assurance as we follow His lead. And know this, if I’m yoked to Jesus, there’s peace in being yoked to someone good, loving, and patient.
A good way of stopping depression before it takes hold of you can be found in (Philippians 4:6-7): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It is so important to talk to God in prayer and let Him know all of your concerns. When we trust Jesus, we can have great peace in knowing He is in control of our situation. And don’t forget to always be thankful!
(Philippians 4:4) is great medicine for a depressed spirit: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!” This coupled with the advice found in (Isaiah 61:3) where we are told to put on: “…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” can do wonders for those suffering with situational depression. Rejoicing in God’s goodness and praising God in all circumstances is so powerful because it takes the focus off ourselves and our feelings of depression and places our attention on Jesus who is our great burden bearer. While this isn’t easy for someone going through the depths of despair if, however, we stay absorbed in ourselves we will never defeat our depression. While having a joyful heart and a praising attitude won’t lift depression instantly, when we cast our burdens on Jesus and focus on Him, we can be confident He will help us defeat this debilitating condition.
One final example that will allow you to live virtually stress free is found in (Isaiah 26:3): “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Keep your mind focused on Jesus at all times. When you do this, you will be constantly talking and sharing with God. As I mentioned before God has your back and He will never let you down. Trust Him and love Him – He will never leave you or forsake you. Remember Jesus died for you so you could experience a life of peace, joy, and purpose. Stay close to Him and you will be able to live without stress and depression.
In conclusion thanks to the wisdom found in God’s word most depression, which is situational in nature, can be cured by following the timeless advice found in the Scriptures. For those cases of depression, that are clinical in nature, getting the right medications, which are ultimately from the Lord, can also prove very effective. And remember in both types of depression you should always seek godly counsel along with medical advice.