Finally!!! Christians Get Depressed Too - Final Chapter and Book Review

Well, after searching for not too long, I found the book back (note to self: put the folded laundry away right away!!), however what's been harder to find is time!

I do have some now, so here is the final blog post on the book, Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray.

Appendix - On the Sufficiency of Scripture: Salvation, Sanctification, and Spectacles

Summary
Murray uses this space to let us know that while the Bible does not give detailed guidance on every moral and spiritual issue (can you imagine how large a book it'd be?!), we are not left hanging. In fact, Murray (using the Westminster Confession) says the teachings in the Bible are fivefold:

1. the Bible's instruction is exact and precise
2. if the Bible does not have a particular verse for a specific situation, we must reason and apply from general principles, also known as the instruction of "good and necessary consequence"
3. God uses secondary areas of knowledge in the human community that we may go to seek advice from, known as "sanctified common sense" or "light of nature"
4. While the Bible does not cover any subject exhaustively, it covers all things "necessary for God's glory, man's salvation, faith and life". The Bible tells us everything we need to know, but it does not tell us everything there is to know. pg. 104
5. To understand the Scripture as the Gospel, we need the Holy Spirit to help us.

Murray then tackles two from the above list, number 2 and number 3.

"Good and Necessary Consequence"

• we may not find an answer in the Bible to our specific situation, we will find guidelines/principles that we can apply, as well as prayer
• Eg. "What job will I do?" - nowhere in the Bible will it tell you specifically which job you should take, but there are sufficient general guidelines to use to help you make a decision, like, will the job allow me to use the gifts God has given me? Will the hours hinder or help in my service for God? Will it provide enough for my family and others?

"The Light of Nature"

• Murray reminds us that although the Scriptures is sufficient, that doesn't mean God hasn't placed wise and knowledgeable people amongst us. In fact, He has! But as he quotes from John Piper, he reminds us that "all other knowledge stands under the judgment of the Bible."
• Murray also quotes John Calvin, who used the illustration of 'spectacles': "The Bible is not only what we read, but what we read with."

So, knowing then that the truth about salvation and salvation is set in Scriptures, as well as knowledge from this world that must be checked by Scriptures, this proves that Scripture is "everything (needed) pertaining to life and godliness" 2 Peter 1:3.

Murray ends his book, confirming that the Bible "tells us where we are and where to go and provides all the essential markers to get us there.....we, therefore, plot our course in this world with the chart of Scripture in our hands and the compass of the Holy Spirit in our hearts."

My Thoughts (of this and whole book)
I really enjoyed this appendix. After reading it, I was once again faced with the feelings of such thankfulness for the gift of His Word, and the sufficiency of It.

As for the whole book, I must say I learned a lot. I recognized some aspects of what he wrote in myself. For example, I was parenting solo last week. It was amazing how many "false thought patterns" that entered my head when I was starting to feel overwhelmed. By God's grace, using this book and the Holy Spirit, I was able to recognize some of these thoughts (eg. I am a useless mother and do such a crappy job of it) and pray about them.

I found Murray to be solid in the Scriptures, which is always such a good foundation. I also enjoyed his frankness, not beating around the bush at times, especially when speaking of whether it is unbelief in God that is a reason of/for depression.

I would certainly recommend this book, and have already since I've read it.

Your Thoughts
So. What did you think? Did you enjoy the book (or, as some of you said....you don't have the book but read the summaries)? Would you recommend this book to anyone? What was your "take home" of this book?

Prayer Points:

• for all those who are suffering from depression and anxiety
• for wisdom to know how to care and be there for those placed on my path
• thankfulness for the fact that God has given the gift of the Scriptures
• thankfulness for His mercy, grace and peace
• thankfulness for people like David Murray
• that what I have learned from this book I may be able to apply in my life

Seeing as this is it, that means we have come to the conclusion of our 2nd Book Talk. I thank you very much for following along, whether by reading the book or the summaries. I hope it was beneficial to you as it has been for me. May God bless you in whatever situation you may find yourself in! And may you continue to look in His Word for guidance in this life.

Book Talk: Christians Get Depressed Too

So, um, yeah. I have a confession to make. I kind of can't really find my book to write up the last review. Embarrassing?! Yes, just a little. Well, actually, a lot, considering I am the host of this Book Talk thing, so yeah, a little ashamed that I can't find the book to do this.

Am I redeemed a little in your eyes if I say that I did read that last chapter?! I did......last week, before I wrote up the review for last week. Do you think I can remember much of it?! Not near as much as I would like!!

I do remember that Murray quoted a lot from the Westminster Catechism, leaving me with the truth that I really don't know the differences between that confession and ours, the Heidelberg Catechism and that I should be doing something about that. I also do remember underlining with my pencil while I read. A lot. Possibly the whole chapter?!

So I'll give myself a few days yet to find the book, and hopefully do a proper review of that last chapter........unless one of you want to write one?! :o)

Book Talk: Christians Get Depressed Too

Chapter 6 – The Caregivers

Summary:

On to the last chapter of David Murray’s book, where he writes about the caregivers in a depressed person’s life: family, friends and church family. While these people most likely have no medical history, they play a key role in helping someone who is depressed. Murray then lists 10 areas that caregivers need to consider when trying to help a depressed person get better:

1.      Study

·         Caregivers need to educate themselves about depression, using Jesus’ example in dealing with the downtrodden

·         Murray also recommends a number of books:

Ø  I’m Not Supposed to Feel Like This by Chris Williams, Paul Richards, and Ingrid Whitton

Ø  Overcoming Spiritual Depression by Arie Elshout

Ø  Broken Minds by Steve and Robyn Bloem

·         He also recommends the following books, but with caution

Ø  Spiritual Depression by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Ø  Mind over Mood by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky

Ø  Blame It on the Brain? and Depression: A Stubborn Darkness by Ed Welch

2.      Sympathy

·         “ability to communicate that we truly understand the problem and the symptoms, that we are deeply concerned, and that we will do all that we can to help.” Pg. 90

·         Murray reminds us that it could very well be one of us in the same position, suffering!

3.      Support

·         Being there, listening and talking with the person who is struggling

·         Means unconditional love, even when the loved one turns on you

·         Help practically (babysitting or take loved one out for a day)

·         Remain loyal

·         The church needs to establish a culture where problems are okay! Everyone has them from time to time, and so we all need to support each other, starting from the top (leaders)

4.      Stigma

·         Following the above steps will help the caregiver recognize the stigmas attached to depression, and so not be ignorant or crass when someone is struggling with depression

5.      Secrecy

·         It often takes a great amount of courage for someone who is struggling with depression to confide in someone (thanks to the stigmas)

·         Recognize this then, and maintain strict confidence

6.      Self-Esteem

·         Due to self-doubt and self-criticism, people with depression have low self-esteem

·         As caregivers, Murray encourages us to help them view themselves in light of their God-given abilities, their worth to others and value to the church

·         Murray recognizes that we as Christians hesitate to “pat ourselves on the back”, but he gives 1 Cor. 15:10 as an example of humility with a healthy opinion of one’s accomplishments. The key is humility

7.      Subjectivism

·         Focussing on feelings and then coming to beliefs due to those feelings is a common trait in those who have depression

·         As caregivers, Murray tells us we need to encourage them to step away from subjection, and focus on objective truths of Christianity, truths regardless of feeling: justification, adoption, atonement, God’s attributes

8.      Speak

·          Listen much, speak little

·         Murray gives a list of what not to say. Here are a few that stuck out to me:

Ø  Pull yourself together

Ø  You’ll get over it soon

Ø  It’s a sin to be depressed

Ø  Smile, it can’t be that bad

Ø  Well, things could be worse

9.      Suicide

·         If a caregiver suspects their loved one is contemplating suicide, Murray says to ask carefully and wisely what they are thinking and if they have a plan. If there is a plan already, seeking professional help is vital

·         Murray then lists a number of reasons that Pastor Steve Bloem (Broken Minds) would think of to not go through with suicide. Again, here are some reasons that stood out to me:

Ø  The devil will be pleased

Ø  Family and friends will be devastated

Ø  The plan might not work, which  may leave you disabled

Ø  There *is* help available

Ø  If you do not know of Christ, and believe in Him, you will go to hell

Ø  God will keep you until the day is reached when pain will be no more

10.  Slow

·         Murray reminds the caregivers that there are no easy answers or quick fixes, as it can take months, even years, to overcome depression

·         Be patient and recognize that there very well may be relapses

·         Continue to pray for our loved ones, bringing them before God’s throne of grace

Murray concludes the chapter going back to the thought that God will sometimes use depression to bring an unconverted person to Him. Murray encourages his unconverted readers then to look to God, to repent and recognize the need for a Saviour. He reiterates that this doesn’t mean it’ll solve the depression, but that it’s just a good starting point.

My Thoughts:

I again enjoyed this chapter. I found a few things striking and have given me a lot of thought. The first one was Murray’s statement under the heading of Secrecy. He writes: There must be no “sanctified” gossip: I’m just telling you this so that you can pray about it. Wow. Isn’t that the truth – how often we share something that was told in confidence, thinking it’s okay to share so others can also pray. I LOVE how he calls that ‘sanctified’ gossip. That really made me think.

The other thought I found striking, and rather blunt, was his last statement (when speaking of the unconverted): Pills might get you through this world, but they will not be available in hell, the place of ultimate torment, despair and gnashing of teeth. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts. 16:31. I found it an odd way to end, yet thought-provoking. In fact, that statement can be said about anything, by replacing the word ‘pills’ to anything else we look to, to get us through, whether that be alcohol, food, people’s opinions, you name it, anything that keeps us from looking to the True Healer.

Your Thoughts:

Was there anything Murray wrote in this chapter that struck a chord with you? Does he give the caregivers practical ways to help a loved one struggling with depression?

Prayer Points:

·         For all caregivers: family and friends that have found themselves with a loved one with depression

·         For those who are depressed to find that person to confide in

·         To first look to God for help, recognizing He is there for them

·         Thankfulness for God’s grace

·         For wisdom, to know when to ask for profession help for a loved one

·         Thankfulness for the many ways God has provided help

Next Time:

David Murray ends the book with a few words on The Sufficiency Of Scripture. I will touch upon that as well as an overall review of the book. And then that’s it!

Thanks again for your comments and observations. I enjoy them!!

Christians Get Depressed Too - Chapter 5

Chapter Five: The Cures

Summary:

So far, David Murray has written about the crisis, the complexity, the condition, and the causes of depression. He moves on in Chapter 5 to write about some cures of depression. But before he writes about a single cure, he asks a question that we must ask of ourselves, or of one that is depressed: “Do you want to be made whole?”. Of course, we say! But then are we taking the necessary steps to be made whole? Or have we gotten used to living with the problem? Given up hope? No will to play a part in the healing process? Frightened of what living whole will mean and look like? Miss the attention/sympathy? Murray clearly states that there is no hope of recovery if the depressed person does not want to play a role in recovery.

Now that he has that on paper, he moves onto 4 measures, parts of a “package” of healing:

1.       Correct Your Lifestyle – to lead a balanced lifestyle, so as not to stretch beyond what we can handle

·         Routine: restore order, discipline and structure, which rebuilds a sense of purpose

·         Relaxation: take time to pause, seek God (Jesus did), re-learn to breathe properly

·         Recreation: moderate exercise, especially outdoors if possible

·         Rest: make a bedtime routine; appreciate the gift of Sundays

·         Reprioritize: examine life and find ways to reduce commitments and obligations

2.       Correct Your False Thoughts – identify/examine thoughts and then challenge the false and unhelpful ones, using a Thought Investigation Questionnaire. Murray uses Ps. 77 as a true Bible-based Christian experience of doing just that, where Asaph examines his thoughts:

·         His life situation – Time? Place? People? Events?

·         His feelings – Sum up my mood in one word or more if needed, rating the intensity using percentage (eg. Angry – 90% of the time)

·         His thoughts – What am I thinking of at this time? About myself? Others? The present? The future?

·         His analysis – Identify false/unhelpful thinking patterns (eg. Extremes, generalizations, false filter)

·         His behaviour – Impact of the above and my relationship with others. Any activity I’ve stopped or started?

Asaph then challenges his own thoughts

·         His reasons – Why do I believe the thoughts I listed in Step 3? Evidence to support?

·         His challenge – List evidence/reasons against thoughts in Step 3

·         His conclusion – Come to a balanced conclusion, one that is truthful and helpful

·         His new feelings – Copy some or all of the feelings from Step 2 and rate them again

·         His plan – How will I put the balanced conclusion into practice?

3.       Correct Your Brain Chemistry – Murray encourages the depressed person to seek medical help if assessing feelings and thoughts does not work. Before meeting the doctor, write out symptoms. Educate yourself with the myths and false ideas of anti-depressants. Murray though warns to remember that anti-depressants shouldn’t be seen as a cure-all

4.       Correct Your Spiritual Life – the spiritual consequences and spiritual causes.

 

Correcting spiritual consequences:

 

·         Depression is not necessarily a sin

·         Depression has caused a general loss in all aspects of life, not just your spiritual life

·         Be patient, as you correct your lifestyle, thoughts and/or brain chemistry

·         Set (realistic) time for Bible reading and praying

·         Remember verses that remind you of God’s love, mercy, and grace

·         Be honest with God when you pray – speak your feelings honestly to Him

·         Keep going to church, to be under His Word, as well as fellowship. Stay in contact with one or two close sympathetic Christians you can trust

·         Remember God loves you

Correcting the spiritual causes:

·         Examine your life, and if there is a particular sin that you are ignoring, repent

Murray concludes the chapter, encouraging his readers to not take on too much, but with someone’s help, sit down and make a list of areas you want to work on; then pick just one at a time to focus on. He ends, reminding us to pray for God’s help and His blessings. He also gives out a template of what Asaph did, but one that we can fill out ourselves (Thought Investigation Questionnaire)

My Thoughts:

First of all, you know how many times I have typed out “Andy” Murray instead of David Murray?! Yes, I enjoy watching tennis :o). Anyway, back to the chapter. I do love how Murray starts out, rather blunt, but so true: Do you want to be whole? I think that is a very good reflective question. I also like his Thought Investigation Questionnaire, again loving that he used a Biblical example to fill it out.

Your Thoughts:

What did you think of Murray’s cures of depression? Valid? Is he off the mark or missing something? Any other cures you have experienced or know of that have helped you or a loved one?

Prayer Points:

·         To want to be whole

·         For strength and will-power to fulfill the responsibility of recovery

·         To recognize the necessity to fill out the questionnaire

·         For those who are on my path that are struggling with depression

·         To help me remember this chapter when someone has confided in me

·         Thankfulness for many godly examples in the Bible that God has given us

·         Thankfulness for His love, grace and mercy

Next Time:

Next week Thursday, we will move on to Chapter Six – The Caregivers, the last chapter of this book!

See you then, well, probably before then. Time for some pictures again, no? :o) Hopefully in the next days or so, we will have something lighter to read, and some pictures to browse through. Until then, have a blessed weekend, and may you enjoy a well-rested Sunday, one that glorifies God and our neighbour. Thanks again for reading!

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!!