MJ, hee is what you said:

"Is depression sin?

Realistically, I know that it is a biological, chemical and emotional condition; I know it is something that can be managed (like diabetes); I know it is an experience that sometimes takes me closer to God by causing me to slow down and earnestly seek Him or cry out.

But if we believe (as I do) that the purpose of the cross was to set us free from sin and to allow God to live His life through us ... why then do believers sometimes struggle with depression? Is this evidence of unresolved or ongoing sin in my life (I don't mean as punishment for sin, but more the "hide yourself in the Garden" kind of sin- the sort of thing that makes you ashamed to be in God's presence)? Am I perhaps not battling my "condition" on the spiritual level as I should? (Depression makes me feel as though I live at the bottom of the ocean -- it's hard to pray, hard to ask for relief or deliverance ... often the most I can muster is a wordless, wistful sighing.) Is this sin, not to live every day with a joyous countenance (if so, I know I'm REALLY in trouble on that score!) because of what I believe about God and his gift of grace?"

MJ, the simple answer to your question "Is depression sin?" is NO. nOt depression is not sin.

Second. Accepting what Jesus did for you shold not amke you more depressed or full of self-hate. If that occurs it merans that you have not correctly interpreted the scripture. The cross does not free us from our psychology or our life lessons. It gives us the opportunity to get free but that freedom is a process of growth.

Depression can actaully be related to sin, however. If you are extremely hard on yourself because you believe you (as a sinner) are beyond forgiveness then depression could easily be a result. Depression then could be a sign that points you in the direction of the inner work necessary. your depression may be your systems way of saying "Nancy, it is time to allow love in and forgiveness and time also to let go of all shame and allow God to embrace you with love just the way you are....just the way you are."

What do you think?

God bless you. Dr A

Doc -- Thank you.

I think the following things:

1. Accepting what Jesus did does not make me full of self-hate -- it makes me full of awe and repentance. So much so that I often don't think I can handle it ... and so I depress or repress. Maybe I'm still so afraid of losing control (in public, and sometimes even in private) that I haven't been able to fully embrace that gift yet ... maybe I fear how it might change me even as I seek and pray for that change.

2. I think I appreciate these words as much if not more than anything else you've said in SBC:
"The cross does not free us from our psychology or our life lessons. It gives us the opportunity to get free but that freedom is a process of growth."
A lot of the place where my guilt comes from is the sense -- and the shame -- that I am not growing ... because I have not been consistent about doing the things that promote growth. My spiritual practice is much like my diet and exercise plan -- full of vigor and determination one day, or for several days -- and then easily derailed, maybe for weeks at a time. I don't know if it's depression that derails it or whether depression is the result of being derailed -- maybe some of both; anyway it's complex and has compounding results.

So exploring the root of my depression, and the interrelated self-defeating behaviors (not limited to diet/exercise) seems to be gaining even more priority right now. I'm getting really sick of being sick and stunted. )

Thank you for your insights.

Received today --worth sharing:

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. - Romans 6:11

What are the things that arouse the strongest emotions in you? Perhaps it is a rude motorist who cuts you off in traffic. Perhaps it is the anger you feel when you are wrongfully accused. Perhaps it is frustration that results from not having enough money to meet perceived needs. When do emotions turn into sin?

Whenever our peace is upset over events and circumstances in life, we have moved past emotions into sin. Sin says that circumstances of life now dictate anxiety, worry, fear, or anger. Consider the attributes of a dead man. He does not get angry when slandered. He does not worry about the future. He does not fear what can be done to him. Why? Because he is dead. Nothing can harm a dead man.

Christ said we are to live as if we are dead - dead to the temptation of responding to stimuli in our life that are designed to stir up the sinful nature that resides in each of us. We do not have to respond to that nature; we can consider it dead. Christ said He is enough. When He is our all in all, nothing can move us. If we are moved, then Christ is not our all in all.

MJ, thanks for your honesty. You are indeed a woman of wisdom and have a gift of writing. Your recent post reminded me of today's gospel. Jesus sent out 72 disciples and urgently told them to take nothing with them! No money, no cloak, nothing. He instructed them to go from house to house to the "lost sheep" and upon entrance, say "Peace to you." If there is a person in the house who can accept peace, then that person will receive peace. But if there is no one there who can accept peace, the peace will return to the disciple and the disciple must go on. If there is a town that doesn't accept them, they must shake the dust off their feet and go on. In other words, the disciples were instructed to become completely detached from everything. Every single thing except the clothes on their backs. They simply had to trust God to provide to them what was necessary for living. (Reminds me of Rumi, bet everything that God exists.)

For depression, have you tried exercise! I'm serious. Sweat lifts depression and is good for your body too! Make yourself do it no matter what everyday. If you can be faithful with this one thing, do this! Do it along with me! I'll pray for you while I am exercising. Thank you for being part of this group: God has given you many gifts. Don't let that evil creature that you saw in a vision and described recently somewhere get the best of you. Just say, get behind me Satan! Much love to you....and everyone else on this forum.

Hi Maria --

thank you for your sweet note. And definitely, YES on the exercise!! I've started to get back to it this last week and it makes an immediate difference ... I am feeling somewhat better. On days when I don't get exercise or think I'm "too tired," I immediately feel those effects too. The danger comes when you allow yourself to become too tired to do or be anything but tired ... so yes, I'm recommitting myself to exercise and health!! And I'll pray for you and the SBC group also as I do this. Thank you so much for all your love and support!!