Depression: A Rescue Plan
Overview
It is a staggering fact that according to the World Health Organization, 100 million people are depressed at any one time. Between 1990 and 2000, the number of people in the United Kingdom consulting their doctors complaining of depression more than doubled. Winston Churchill referred to depression as his “black dog,” and Samuel Johnson called it, “this vile melancholy.” When in its grip, Abraham Lincoln described himself as, “the most miserable man living.”
The word “depression” is used to describe a wide range of emotions and conditions ranging from momentary unhappiness to suicidal despair. To complicate matters, its cause and effect encompass every area of our being. The fact that it is so common means that sufferers need not feel ashamed.
But what is depression? We could argue that many people are depressed because their present has lost its meaning and purpose, and their future holds no hope. Yet the Christian—despite having a living relationship with God in Jesus Christ, and the glorious anticipation of heaven—is not immune from depression. The lives of some of God’s greatest servants clearly demonstrate that. This practical guide is the result of the author’s 20 years experience as a local church pastor. Without medical jargon, it deals sensitively with the difficult area of depression; its causes and treatments, and offers a step by step guide to coping.
With the Logos edition, you have unprecedented access to resources that offer relatable and insightful material to encourage your spiritual walk with God. The powerful search tools in your digital library help you locate the specific material relevant to your study. Hours of biblical research can be accomplished with the simple click of a mouse. With lightning-speed searching, instantly-viewable Scripture references, a vast library of resources, and much more, Logos is the perfect software to expand your understanding of the Word.
- Examines the causes and effects of depression
- Step by step guide to coping with depression
- Shows positives aspects of depression
Top Highlights
“The Bible uses neither word, but has much to say about the condition. Words like: despair (Ecclesiastes 2:20); dismay (Joshua 1:9); discouraged (Colossians 3:21); distress (1 Samuel 28:15); downcast (Job 22:29); sorrow (Exodus 3:7); and sighing (Ezekiel 21:6, 7) describe the extent to which the mind of man is troubled by his circumstances.” (Page 12)
“The New English Dictionary describes depression as, ‘lowering of the spirits, dejection, lacking in energy and activity’.” (Page 10)
“Faith and feeling are in conflict with each other. Job clearly knows that his destiny is in the hand of God. His faith will not be shaken, yet he finds it hard to absorb this truth into his present condition. Here is one of the great problems that we face when dealing with depression. We can accept that our bodies and minds will undergo stress and conflict as we go through life—but surely our faith will always rise above such things? Ultimately it will; but when we are depressed the great fact of salvation is often buried beneath intense feelings of guilt, doubt and fear.” (Pages 9–10)
“It is a medical issue, a psychological issue and a spiritual issue. In most cases it is a permutation of all three!” (Page 6)
“We could argue that many people are depressed because their present has lost its meaning and purpose, and their future holds no hope. The Christian, however, has a living relationship with God in Jesus Christ, and the glorious anticipation of heaven! Yet, Christians do become depressed.” (Page 6)
This book has helped me enormously. . . . It has also given me an insight into my own moods and spiritual and psychological conditions. If you want help, and want to be a helper, read this book.
—Cheah Fook Meng, pastor, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church, Singapore
Well-rounded—a very useful book.
—The Monthly Record
- Title: Depression: A Rescue Plan
- Author: Jim Winter
- Publisher: Day One
- Publication Date: 2000
- Pages: 152