The Cure for Depression

Like John Rambo in the 80’s classic First Blood, David was a war hero on the run in 1 Samuel 22.  Instead of reveling in the glory days of defeating Goliath, David is besieged by a spirit of fear.  When David’s best friend Jonathon reveals his father’s plot to kill David in 1 Samuel 20, he is attacked by a spirit of depression.

Having a death threat made on your life by a king, president or government official is worth being upset.  However, God sends the prophet Gad to David with a message in 1 Samuel 22:5.  The King James Version says do not abide in the hold.  The New International Version says do not stay in the stronghold.  Verse 2 in chapter 22 gives an appearance of a gripe session, a place where the depressed come and share their sorrows.  While David appears to have some initial relief in verses 3-4, God is trying to tell David that this is not the solution to your depression.  Don’t allow this crippling spirit to hold you down or become a stronghold of fear which saps your strength.

As Gad continues his message from the Lord, the cure to depression lies in the second portion of verse 5, “go into the land of Judah.”  Although it appears Gad is talking about to a physical place, the Lord is referring to a spiritual state of mind, Romans 12:1-2.  According to Genesis 29:35, the name Judah is symbolic for praising the Lord.  Therefore, God is trying to proclaim to David through the prophet of Gad that the cure to your depression can be found by praising the Lord.  Moping around in a cave, hiding from your fears and running from your problems is not the answer.  Rather, when you begin to develop a gratitude of praise, Hebrews 13;15, God can transform your spiritual condition, replacing depression with peace, Colossians 3:15-17.  “Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me, Psalm 119:175.”

by Jay Mankus