The Big "D" ( {Part 3)

Depression can have a spiritual source if we live in sin, harbor anger or resentment. We have to be willing to forgive and make the unnatural decision to let someone “off the hook." Even if they do not ask or deserve it, we forgive just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. We forgive because we already have been forgiven, not to be forgiven as is the case in the Gospels.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Reading, studying, praying, and meditation on the Word requires use of the frontal lobe of the brain and emphasizes communion with God, thinking His thoughts, sensing His presence, and knowing His will. This is active worship and produces the type of brain waves in the frontal lobe that are very helpful for us all, including the depressed. Hypnosis and the trance-like state of Eastern religious meditation are very harmful; they produce the wrong type of brain waves and information bypasses the frontal lobe, leading to possible mind control. 

Sometimes a believer is living for the Lord, serving and honoring Him in all parts of his/her life. Over the years, the Lord blesses that person and they are happy and enjoy good health. Certainly there is nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of the Lord. But, it can all be taken in a moment, not because of spiritual problems, but because it may be that God is taking that person to the next level of maturity. It is perplexing and it hurts, but often growth requires loss or brokenness.

Paul said in Philippians 3:8:

“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things.” 

Romans 12:2 says:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Transformed in Greek is "metamorphosis "and means "a change in form." It implies a struggle like when a chrysalis morphs into a butterfly. If we do not become changed from the inside-out we will be tempted to find external things to satisfy our needs. Transformation is not an instantaneous act of God, it is a life-long process. One does not get transformed by just praying, asking or believing; because there is no “microwave” way to spiritual maturity.

The Holy Spirit will do the transforming for us if we cooperate with Him and expect spiritual advancement. Your imperfections will be revealed by the Holy Spirit so that you may continue to grow and become more complete. Maturity versus infancy is the issue. God loves you just the way you are, but refuses to leave you that way; He wants you to be made conformable to Christ. Philippians 2:7, 8 reminds us:

^" But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

His life reminds us of our spiritual growth which often imposes tough lessons. Sometimes they're so tough we shrink back from learning them. It seems we have to learn from actual experience that whatever we depend upon in this life, ends up controlling us. God allows and uses life’s events to teach us about misplaced dependencies, so that we finally grasp the concept that Christ is our one true sufficiency.