Psalm 32 – Dealing with the problem of Depression
Many people avoid this subject and would not touch it with a ten-foot pole. In some ways it is good that they do not touch because of the bad solutions they provide. But that reasoning is not adequate. Every elder in the church…and even husbands…and fathers…and every Christian must not be afraid to challenge the problems that come before us…in our own lives…or in the lives of other…including dealing with the problem of depression.

But for you to really deal with this major issue, you must be equipped to deal with it. I am not able to give you great detail explanation, but I will attempt to give you a foundation upon which you can build, and should build on, to understand and deal with this problem. This is an issue that must not just be set aside because it is too difficult. Also, you must not shrug off the responsibility and assume that every counselor will give you the same advice. Some start with wrong presuppositions and therefore their conclusions are wrong. So get prepared. And may this help you today…to that end.

To lay this foundation, we will look at 1. What depression is. 2. What depression does. 3. What is Christ’s remedy for depression. 4. And finally, we will look at what you may do to keep out of depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a prolonged period of feeling down and sad.
Psalm 32:4 - For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of
summer.
David is literally “pressed down.” (being sad)
David says this is prolonged…or “day and night.” (for a long time)
Other time David uses the term: chastened. Literally: to be tied down with ropes…
What causes depression: Depression can be caused by various reasons…
In David’s case, his depression was caused by guilt and non-repentance.
He had grievously sinned with Bathsheba and Uriah and had not repented.
He might even have though of depression as a punishment from God.
V3 - But it wasn’t just the sin…it was his hiding it.
But there are other reasons…almost any reason…that may cause depression.
One of the first things to mention, however, is that there are physiological reasons for depression.
Someone who has an underactive thyroid, just delivered a baby, etc.
But those are often limited. What are other reasons for depression?
Overwhelming responsibility…death of a loved one…loneliness…poverty…sickness…
Not finding a husband or wife…not getting children…holding grudges…and not forgiving…
The truth is, though, is that these things really do not cause depression…these things are more a matter of
God’s providence.
It is how one deals or not deals with these problems that causes depression.
What does depression do?
Physical results:
V3-4 - It causes your moisture…juices…to dry up…
David’s saliva in his mouth dried up…a natural response to anxiety.
According to Jewish tradition, David is said to have been struck by leprosy for 6 months…
And learn of some more from Psalm 38.
Psalm 38: 5-8 - My wounds are foul and festering Because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed
down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, And there is no
soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.
David is also point out that he has an irregular heart beat.
The link between feeling sad and the malfunctioning of the body is clear.
Many times imbalances in hormones with trigger bad conditions are caused with depression.
Spiritual results:
V6 – He had felt as if he were overwhelmed with flood waters…graphic picture
Psalm 38:4 - For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
This is like the “suck sand” in my home country.
Proverbs 28:13 – He who covers his sins will not prosper…
Proverbs 28:1 - The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Interaction results:
Psalm 38:11 - My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, And my relatives stand afar off.
Not many people want to stick around a whiner, down, grumpy person.
On the other hand, (Ps 38) your depression makes your enemies happy.
What is Christ’s remedy for depression?
1. Know that there is hope.
While depression causes your juices to dry up, you can be resuscitated.
I know in whom I believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him.
The Lord does not leave his chosen ones alone…but makes them realize their guilt.
The first answer is to admit that there is sin…
You can’t do heart surgery on yourself.
Psalms 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God,
Psalms 145:14 The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down.
2. Repent (or forgive)
V5-6 - David confesses his sin. To confess means “to say the same thing with God.”
Literally David says: I view myself the way God views me.
Psalm 51:4-5 - Against You, You only, (against your law and standard) have I sinned, And done this evil in
Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was
brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
Proverbs 28:12 – (Note the completion of this passage) He who covers his sins will not prosper, But
whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
Repentance clears the soul and relieves the pressure often responsible for psychosomatic sickness.
You also have to confess your sins against others also.
V7 – Repentance brings joy.
Psalm 32:7b - You shall surround me with songs of deliverance
Psalm 51:8 - Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
Now you ask: How is mourning a sin, for example, as the lady who is accused of killing her kids?
Mourning is not a sin. Excessive mourning is. It is distrust of God’s providence. It is a worship
of man. Of those sins you must repent.
How do you stay out of Depression
1. Continue to pray
V 6 – Do you desire freedom from depression…for this cause pray… David points to prayer…
He doesn’t say get rich, get powerful, or get intelligent…but, to get security, pray.
So that the severe judgment of great waters would not destroy him…and you…
2. Be Instructed
V8 – God instructs you who are blessed, not with useless instruction, but in the ways of spiritual life.
And he leads as a gentle guide.
Proverbs 3:1-2 - My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days
and long life And peace they will add to you.
Proverbs 4:20-22 - My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them
depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And
health to all their flesh.
Job 6:30 - Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern the unsavory?
V9 – You are instructed so that you will not be like horses or mules…who must be bridled.
Notice how his freedom from depression leads him to help others.
This is a very necessary part of being healed…it to be busy with helping others heal.
If you follow these steps, you will not only be helped if you are depressed for inorganic reasons,
but you will also be able to help prevent depression from setting-in in the future.
Conclusion?
Depression is a prolonged period of feeling down and sad. What causes depression: Depression can be caused by various reasons… But there are other reasons…almost any reason…that may be the cause for depression. The truth is, though, is that these things really do not cause depression…Depression is often caused when troubles are not handled correctly.

What does depression do? It affects you physically, spiritually (your relationship with God) and your relationship with others.

But what is Christ’s remedy for depression? He wants you to know that there is hope. He wants you to deal with the matter of sin…repent if you need to…forgive if you need to. He wants you to pray and to continue to be instructed in the Holy Scriptures to stay out of depression.

The only reason these real answer are opened to you is because you are a child of God, Christ having taken the punishment for your sins.