Depression and Despondency - How do you struggle?

Reid:

The book that has been the greatest help to me during the "down times" of depression is Lloyd-Jones "Spiritual Depression: It's Causes and Cure. I also have started reading Thomas Goodwin's "A Child of Light Walking in Darkness" where he argues that even Christian not in sin may experience the withdrawal of God's face for a time of testing (think Job) but that there is ultimate comfort in our justification. Being justified incidently is Lloyd-Jones foundational starting point in his book.

Sleep is also key - I find getting out doors alone or playing with my children a source of encouragement.

Ultimately, these things can turn into various methods in which we try to work our way back out of depression and toward Christ. There is always a danger of these things turning into works of the law where we seek to leave under the yoke of slavery which we have been freed from Christ.

What is most important (and also hardest) is to remind ourselves of the gospel on a daily basis. Jerry Bridges, The Disciplines of Grace is an excellent help in this area. Our good days are never good enough that we do not need the gospel and our bad days are never bad enough that the gospel cannot help us.

Remember that you are a wretched sinner who was once under the curse of God, but he being rich in love and mercy set his loving affection upon you and redeemed your life up from out of the pit. He took your black and corrupted heart and turned it white as snow. His Son Jesus Christ offered himself up on the cross and bled for you. He rose again for you. It was through his perfect death whereby you were declared righteous in the sight of God at the bar of his court. Simultaneously a sinner, but yet also a saint.

I am oft reminded of Martin Luther's last (or near last) words: Weir sein pettler, hoc est verum - we are beggars, that is true. Redeemed beggars! May the grace of God's glorious gospel of Christ fill your heart today.

I'm right there with you. Only throw in four boys eight and under to keep the hits coming...

I've been struggling with low grade depression for quite some time - yet I know that if I would just go to bed on time, eat right, and exercise a large part of my problems would disappear. So simple - so why don't I do it?!

Anyway - you're not alone. My mom says that the best book ever written on depression is Slaying the Giant: Practical Help for Understanding Preventing & Overcoming Depression by French O'Shields. He was the pastor of the church we attended when I was a little girl, and our neighbor. A church split and some health issues sent him into a deep depression. Out of which came this book. I haven't read it myself, and it's currently out of print. But Amazon has a few copies from vendors and the reviewers there apparently agree with my mom...

Anyway. Praying for you right now.

1) think deeply on the Cross.

2) go do something totally spontaneous and good for somebody else.

3) go have coffee with a good ol' bud who loves you and doesn't get freaked over anything you might say.

4) ditto on ML-J.

5) read the clean Hedberg one-liners at http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=red_burg_dog

Thanks men, it is sweet salve to have counsel from those who give gospel saturated, God centered, Christ exalted words to their brothers. Thanks for ministering to me. Sandy, love to get that coffee many more times down the roads. Lloyd Jones is in the Amazon shopping cart. Feeling like Erasmus again:

When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes

Soli Deo Gloria

I'm only 26, so it's wise, I am not. Clearly the messages preceeding mine trump what I have to say. I had a very difficult year last year, and I got a chance to talk about it with Sandy over the winter holidays. The diagnostic for me was my thankfulness and rejoicing in God. So I say to you: rejoice, again I say rejoice! Ok, so I'm borrowing Paul's words but I won't tell if you won't tell.

The funny thing is that with rejoicing and thankfulness, life didn't go away, but I felt the firm foundation promised to us. I can't explain how it worked, but it did and does. God does not default on His promises! (in Christ & the Spirit, of course)

Blessings Reid!

argh, the first sentance "I'm only 26, so wise, I am not". no "it's"

I am the author of the book on depression, SLAYING THE GIANT. Your web site states that this book is our of print. IT MOST DEFINITELY NOT. Jan. 2007 just completed fourth printing. Plenty of book available through me. TEl. 843-650-8249 and are contantly being shipped. Thank you for including the availability of this book in your site. Thank you.

I am Dr. French O'Shields and the author of the book on depression, SLAYING THE GIANT. Your site states that this book is out of print. IT MOST DEFINITELY IS NOT.The fourth printing was just completed in Jan. 2007. The book is available through me and my ministry, HEM OF HIS GARMENT. For info and to place orders tel. 843-650-8249 or write to me at P.O. Box 14883, Surfside Beach, SC 29587 Thank you. French O'Shields

Thanks Dr. O'Shields for the update! Glad the book is still available.