“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners …” (Isa 61:1 NIV)

Sitting here typing this article I am going over the day’s events, and how many emotions I go through in a day. One of the biggest emotions I deal with is depression, and have dealt with that feeling since I was very young. I can be fine and then out of the blue, I’m hit with a deep dark depression. I have been diagnosed Bi-Polar so it typically isn’t a surprise when the destructive feeling of depression creeps up; however, it does not make it any easier having this happen. Sometimes I just want to crawl in bed and pull the blanket over my head for days, or sometimes I totally isolate from those who really care about me. No matter what the response I have towards depression, I still wish it would leave me alone and find someone else to bother. How many of you reading this article feel the same? I would be so interested in the various answers on how people cope with depression; the list probably being a mile long. But I think there is some scripture that might shed some light and bring hope to the depressed, if we just take a moment and take in what the Bible says about it.

One of my favorite passages of scripture is Isaiah 61. This passage of scripture points to Jesus and His ministry on earth, and a big part of His ministry is to lift up those who are depressed and oppressed. The scripture says (my paraphrase) that Christ has come to bind up the brokenhearted, release the prisoner from darkness, to give the oil of joy instead of mourning, and the list keeps going on. What wonderful news for those of us who deal with depression; God has come to lift us out of depression and give us joy. My question to you the reader, and I point to myself as I say this, have you let the doctor of hearts Jesus lift you up and give you a garment of praise; instead of rags of despair? Have you allowed Him to heal your broken heart, and place you back on solid ground?

I think every Christian goes through a time where they are down; possibly even depressed. However the same truth applies to each one of us: God is the best doctor of hearts out there. Have you made an appointment with doctor Jesus? Have you invited Him into your pain and suffering, or are you like me at times; closed off and handling everything on your own. It’s not easy to trust when you have the blues and only dark clouds hang above you; however, Jesus can bring that warm, peaceful, invigorating sunshine needed to chase your blues away.

For those of you who are reading this writing, I hope you are giving Jesus a chance. It is not automatic all the time; sometimes He will walk through the depression with you; however the truth is: God cares deeply for those who are depressed and broken. I would encourage each of you to give Jesus a chance to take away every burden and heal your broken heart. Remember: Jesus is the best doctor of hearts out there!

Rob Price robprice33@gmail.com