Thinking of myself and others--particularly of the Reformed persuasion--who are greatly encouraged and challenged by the afore mentioned men I'm faced with a question; Out of an admiration for their work and lives, has depression been romanticized in the Christian life?
I know many friends who say, "Depression is something I struggle with.", "Depression is something I battle with?", "I wrestle with depression."
I'm not downplaying legitimate depression or the people who truly wrestle with it but, how much of it is drummed up in our own minds? How much of it comes from focusing on our own sin instead of the Glory and Person of Christ, the power of the Cross, and the joy of the story of the Gospel? Could it be that many of us wallow in our depression and guilt, twist our faces in public and secretly try to claim piety and justification for our sad state of mind by referencing some of the greatest men of the faith who struggled with being downcast? Yes, men like Spurgeon, Edwards, Calvin, and others were mightily by God, but they were men at best (1 Cor 15:10). Any joy and comfort they received in their dark days is due to the same grace and very same Gospel given to all of God's people--past and present.
Depression is not a good, happy place. For many, melancholy, doubt and extreme guilt are daily thorns that saints fight to pry out until their death. For others, depression may be something that's "self-inflicted" and in need of some repentance. Be a blessing to the family of God and spend focused time hunting for manifestations of God's grace in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Jesus and celebrate them together! (Acts 11:23) Invite others to do the same for you. Jesus did not die for sin to be meditated upon, He died so it could be recognized and repented of for the glory of the Gospel and the joy of His people.
Helpful reading on this topic:
You Can Change by Tim Chester
What is the Gospel by Greg Gilbert
You Can Change by Tim Chester
What is the Gospel by Greg Gilbert
A Lifting Up For The Downcast by William Bridge
Spiritual Depression by Martin Lloyd-Jones
