Rev. Don Campbell
Solomon and Paul On Depression
Depression has been dubbed “the common cold of mental illness,” not because it “lasts a week if you see a doctor and seven days if you don’t,” but because of its prevalence.
“New data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate that the prevalence of depression in U.S. adolescents and adults increased 60% in the past decade, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).”
Solomon wrote nearly 3000 years ago, “Anxiety in the heart of a man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Prov 12:25, NKJV). Depression may range from a mild case of the blues to a full-blown case of clinical depression. However, in every case, focusing on the positive helps.
Paul gives believers the following “good word”: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil 4:6-8).
