Spiritual Depression

There is a thin membrane between the physical and the spiritual. When the body is sick, wounded, or in pain, that physical malady can often seep through this invisible barrier, affecting the spirit. Likewise, a deep sorrow of the soul can manifest physically, burdening the body with real ailments. Spiritual pain, if left untreated, can take a toll on one’s physical health just as a broken heart can impact the literal heart, and prolonged sadness can alter a person’s very countenance. Similarly, physical afflictions such as cancer, migraines, or the weight of tragedy and loss can crush the spirit.

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:6 ESV).

When the body suffers, we turn to physicians, sometimes even specialists, to diagnose and treat the affliction. But when the soul is wounded, we need a physician of the soul. This could be a trusted friend, a pastor, or a minister specially gifted and trained to assess, diagnose, and apply the healing balm of the Word, Sacrament, and prayer.

One of the most common, yet often misunderstood, spiritual afflictions is spiritual depression. I have ministered to many who know that “black dog” (Churchill’s description) of despair. But there is hope and there is healing.

Today, I want to share the first of a two-part Bible message on Spiritual Depression, drawn from Psalm 42:

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, Where is your God?”

In my years of pastoral ministry, I have encountered spiritual depression in many forms, but Psalm 42 reveals common signs of this struggle. This Psalm, attributed to the Sons of Korah (and possibly composed by David), carries the designation “Maschil” a term derived from the Hebrew word meaning instruction, designed to impart wisdom and encourage deep reflection.

Psalm 42 does not simply acknowledge the reality and effects of spiritual depression, it also points us toward the path to healing.

I invite you to join me for Part 1 of “Spiritual Depression,” and I pray that the Lord will use this message to remind you: that God sees, God knows, and God cares.

For further encouragement, I humbly offer my book Songs in the Night: How God Transforms Our Pain to Praise available in print or at Kindle and Audible, narrated by actress Brenda Smith.

Listen to the Audible sample.

Read the print preview.