Depression

Sally says to Charlie Brown, "We have to write a short piece for school that expresses our personal philosophy. So far I've written, "Who cares?" and "Forget it." Charlie Brown says, "How about, 'Why me?'" Sally says, "That's good. I'll fit it in."

But O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!
— Psalm 42:11 (TLB)

Depression is not a new problem for God's ministers. Moses, Elijah, and Jonah became so depressed that they asked God to take their lives. David talked candidly about his depression in Psalm 42.

Depression is usually a symptom of another problem. Sometimes ministers simple get weary in well doing. That is what happened to Moses. God told Moses to delegate. "I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone" (Numbers 11:17).

Fatigue, frustration, fear, and failure can quickly move God's ministers from the highs of Mount Carmel to the lows of a broom tree. When depression overtakes you, consider these action steps:

1. Take a break.
2. Get some exercise.
3. Delegate.
4. Don't expect too much of yourself.
5. See your physician.
6. Talk to the "Great Physician."

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.