Book Talk: Christians Get Depressed Too - Chapter Four

Chapter Four – The Causes

Summary:

David Murray has touched upon a few causes of depression in previous chapters. In this chapter, Murray spends a bit more time on some of the various causes. Murray reminds us that depression is often put into two categories: reactive (traced to an obvious trigger) and endogenous (biological in origin) – although the lines can be blurry between the two. Murray then lists 5 triggers of depression: stress, psychology, sin, sickness and sovereignty.

1.       Stress

·         when we are stretched by:

a)      Life events (little control over, if any):

Ø  Illness, unemployment, birth of children as some examples

Ø  Brain chemistry changes, which results in a change in our moods

Ø  The red flag is when the stressful experience continues for a long time, or one after another

Ø  We are too stretched, and like a rubber band, may snap (nervous breakdown)

Ø  Stress makes our minds go into overdrive, depleting our chemicals that we need to think/feel in a normal way

b)      Lifestyle (considerable control):

Ø  An unbalanced lifestyle of overworking and spending, not exercising, or sleeping well

Ø  It is deliberate (even if we don’t think so) and makes us go beyond what we are capable of, which is not glorifying God in body or spirit

 

2.       Psychology

·         false thought patterns (see previous chapter) may have been absorbed in childhood, thanks to both positive and negative common core beliefs from parents, which follow us into adulthood

·         when down or stressed, these core beliefs dominate

 

3.       Sin

·         Many unbelievers are being treated for depression/anxiety with medicine, when actually they need to hear about the Gospel

·         Christians who become depressed, they often assume that there is a spiritual cause, but Murray states that blaming our depression on our sin is “not only often wrong, but harmful” as it increases feelings of failure and false guilt

·         Yet, sin may very well be a reason for why someone is suffering depression/anxiety

·         “How then does a Christian know if his depression has a spiritual cause or simply spiritual consequesnces? Murry asks.

·         “Truly spiritual causes of depression…..is a deliberate and continued rebellion against God.”

·         Depression with spiritual roots can be caused by idols (anything that replaces God as first in your heart), when you try to handle your sin on your own without going to the cross, and when there is sadness and anger due to not forgiving others

4.       Sickness

·         While more and more biblical counselling has accepted the role of medicine, there is too often that the counsellor/pastor/ assume that depression is caused by a personal sin (which it can, but not always)

·         But part of living in a fallen world, our bodies have mechanical, chemical and electrical problems, which affect our hearts, and livers (just to list a few), so why not the biggest organ of the body, the brain?

·         So if we see insulin (medicine) helpful in addressing the causes of diabetes rather than judging that it is sin, why do we assume this with depression? Why is a person with low insulin “allowed” to be lethargic and irrational and not be asked what sin s/he needs to repent from, when someone with depression we assume that there is sin that needs to be dealt with until proven otherwise?

5.       Sovereignty

·         Although this may be so hard to understand, Murray reminds us that the another cause of depression may very well be : it pleases God

·         “Sometimes we take God’s presence in our lives for granted”, and so God may choose to withdraw (not forsake), so that we may feel what we are missing – His presence, protection and favour.

Murray ends the chapter with a quote from Marten Lloyd-Jones, a pastor of body and then soul:

“We are strange creatures, made up of body, mind and spirit; these are interrelated and react upon one another. Many of our troubles in life are due to this fact, and to our failure to realize the place, function, and sphere of each one of these realms.”

My Thoughts

I love how Murray brings up other illnesses that are caused by the fallen world, to prove his point that depression is often not because of a personal sin. There is a big difference. And we have a great example of this with Job. I also liked how he gave examples of when depression has spiritual roots (idols etc.). I can relate to that especially. I know I place too much emphasis on the pleasure of here and now, rather than looking to God for that; not that God doesn’t want me to enjoy anything here on earth, but more it’s my reaction when people or events disappoint me – mostly due to my unreasonable expectations. My moods can swing drastically when things do not go my way. My, actually typing that out makes me embarrassed and shameful.

Your Thoughts

Do you feel Murray gave a wise answer as to that question in purple? What other triggers are there that may cause depression that Murray has not mentioned?

Prayer Points

·         That we may recognize the triggers in ourselves and others

·         For unbelievers who are desperate to hear the Gospel, but don’t know it

·         For opportunities to share the Gospel with others as their only comfort in life and dead

·         For all those who are in varying levels of depression

·         That it may warm up soon, as we have had another long winter, which affects so many people

·         Thankfulness for God’s faithfulness, that no matter how long this winter may be, Spring always, always follows

·         Thankfulness to God for the medicines available     

• That we may be able to recognize the difference between depression stemming from spiritual cause or spiritual consequence

Next Time

Now that we have studied the why, the how, the complexity and causes of depression, we will move onto Chapter 5, where Murray writes about the cures of depression. See you next time!!