What causes depression?

I'm often asked, "What causes a person to become depressed?"

My answer is often, "No one knows."

One of my wise doctors, a psychiatrist, once said, "Curt, we don't understand as much as we'd like about exactly how the brain, and its chemicals, work."

That being said, I think there are Biblical examples of depression that give us a peek. (Normally in the traditional versions, depression is often called "despair.")

Moses showed signs of it during the 40 years in the wilderness. It was due to being overwhelmed and the daily pressures of a huge number of people pressing on him for their every need.

David definitely was a person who understood about the highs and lows. His depression was related both to his sin (Bathsheba/Uriah) the sin of others (Absalom) grief (the loss of a child)
and oppression (Being hunted like a dog by his many enemies.)

Elijah in I Kings 19 shows classic depression caused by exhaustion. He was physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted from three years of battle with Ahab and Jezebel, running hard for God, and after the greatest victory in his ministry, the cookout at Mt. Carmel where God showed up to vindicated Himself as well as Elijah's ministry.

Often, depression and low times slips up on us after our greatest victories. Beth Moore, in her book Praying God's Word, speaks of depression being a challenge for her after finishing a large project or book.

Once again, sin can cause depression. Judas' betrayal brings on despair and suicide in the life of a disciple.

A good question here is: "Is depression a sin?"

No, depression is not a sin.

Can sin cause depression? Sure, being out of God's will and the resulting sin can cause depression. I've given you examples above.

But the dark times of Moses and Elijah, two great men of God who were in the center of God's will, reveal that depression can have all types of causes and backgrounds.

However, at the time of Jesus' greatest challenge: preparation for the cross, Moses and Elijah were sent by God to encourage and comfort Jesus. (on the Mount of Transfiguration)
These two men who'd been through the fire and found faithful were sent for this heavenly pep talk to the very Son of God.

After my precious friend, Ricky Gallien's death by suicide, I was asked repeatedly, "How could this happen to a great man of God?"

Ricky was (and is still rightly remembered as) a great man of God, a committed pastor, successful high school principal, committed father and husband. Depression and its results can happen to any person, including steady Christians and gifted leaders.

Don't believe it? Look at the Biblical examples above.
Study the lives of great Christian leaders like Martin Luther and Charles H. Spurgeon.
Read the biographies of legends like Lincoln and Churchill.

They all dealt with the "black dog of depression."
But with the help of God, they overcame it to lead strong lives that still call out to us.

May the same be said of each of us.

Under the Broom Tree with Elijah

Tonight in revival, I'm speaking from I Kings 19:1-18, specifically verse 4, "He (Elijah) came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die."

Elijah, after the greatest victory in his life (the BBQ on Mt. Carmel where God "showed up and showed out) is running in fear for his life. He goes to the desert sits under a broom (juniper tee) and asks God to 'kill him.'

I understand this story.
I've been under the broom tree and wished to die.
I've been out in the desert where it's dry, life seems dead, and one feels completely alone.
It's called depression. It's one of the "D words" and travels along in a pack with its cousins, discouragement, despair, disillusionment, defeat, disgust, dejection, and distortion.

A Middle Eastern Broom Tree

Under the broom tree, you can't seem to hear God's voice and your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, or in Elijah's case, off the limbs of the broom tree.

You feel that God is a million miles away, even though he's as close as your heartbeat. It's a matter of perception.

Depression, or despair as the Bible often calls it, does that: it clouds and blurs one's perception.

I call it "The Great Liar." It tells you lots of things that aren't true: there is no hope, life will never be good or happy again. No one cares, including God. You'd be better off dead. Everyone else would be better off with you gone.

These are all lies, and I believe they come (especially "you'd be better off dead) directly from "The Father of Liars," Satan. Jesus said "The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy."* He was referring to Satan. *John 10:10

Depression not only tells your mind lies, but it clouds the truth. Wonderful truths of hope: God is for you, not against you; He is carrying you through this time; (The wonderful poem, "Footprints" sustained me during my dark days.) You will get better and the joy of life will return.

I'll be adding thoughts and stories on this subject throughout the coming days.

Hoping.
Looking up.

Curt Iles

How to pray in October


One of the best things about the Internet and social networks is how it is a great vehicle to share news and events. I want to use it this month (October 2009) to share a great prayer need in my life.

I'm scheduled to lead a revival in North Carolina from October 25-28. I'll be with one of the greatest influences in my life, Rev. Bob Evans. He was pastor of Dry Creek Baptist Church during my formative teen years. He's been at First Baptist Church of Granite Falls, NC for over 35 years.

As you probably know, I'm not an ordained minister but simply a man who is always ready and willing to share a word for our Lord. I always feel over matched when called on to lead a revival, but God has always shown His faithfulness.

The theme of this revival will be "Encouragement and Faithfulness." Bro. Evans has asked me to share about my journey through depression as well as what God is teaching me in my life.

I feel led (at this point) to share about Elijah's Cave Time in I Kings 19 (The "Ds" of Discouragement and the "R's" of Renewal) the Role of Encouragement in the Christian family, The Compassionate Lifestyle, Finishing Strong, and whatever else God leads on.

Here's the main focus of prayer: Last week in the Granite Falls area, a young pastor took his own life. It has brought to the forefront the subject of depression among Christians, suicide, and
many other related difficult questions.

Needless to say, I've realized why I've been called to share with this church at this time. However, I know I must have the Holy Spirit's power in me and upon me. I cannot do it, but I do wish to be a pipe of God's Living Water.

Always, when I share about my depression journey, God uses it to bless others. I'm thankful that the worst time of my life has been a blessing to so many others. I can honestly state, "Going through the deep valley of depression was the worst time of my life but everything God brought out of it has been good."

As I share deeply about my journey, it always takes a great deal out of me, so I'm aware that I need to be prepared in every manner both before and after this revival.

I'm trusting my many friends and readers to pray for FBC Granite Falls, the neighboring church that has been shattered by the suicide of their pastor, and for me.

Trusting in God.
Depending on your prayers,

Curt Iles