The Benefits of Depression

      By Fern Horst

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:21-25)

Peter was just like each of us in regards to those we love. He didn't want to see Jesus suffer and he didn't want to lose his beloved Friend. And so he protested when Jesus tried to warn them about his upcoming death.

Jesus, realizing that Peter was in denial, rebuked him. He knew that Peter was looking at the small picture when there was a much larger one to consider. At this point Peter couldn't see the bigger picture, and his faith hadn't yet grown to the place of realizing there was a bigger picture. Part of Jesus' rebuke was that Peter was valuing what people value above what God values.

I recently read of a study that showed that mild depression for a time can actually be good for a person. The challenge to overcome the depressed feelings creates personal growth and inner strength. Just as pushing our bodies to overcome a physical challenge makes our bodies stronger, so does the challenge to rise above depression make us stronger emotionally. The same can be said for choosing to say "no" to temptation: in doing so we become stronger spiritually. The character developed in overcoming any one of those areas, can help us in overcoming other challenges.

There can be little pleasure found in the process of dealing with depression, working at physical training, or denying ourselves a sinful pleasure. In all of these we have to choose to do just the opposite of what we feel like doing in order to gain positive results. When we realize what can be gained on the other side of these challenges, however, we find the results worth the painful process.

So often we'd like to protect ourselves and our loved ones from any suffering, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. But that's only looking at the small picture, like Peter did. Jesus wants us to look at the larger picture: that these times of suffering emotionally, physically or spiritually are simply small parts of the whole, and are the means by which we as people gain Christ-like character and eternal rewards.

© 2007 Fern Horst

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TO REPRINT this devotional on the internet, all that we require is that you reprint it in its entirety, include the author's name, the copyright information, and a link to www.singleness.org.

FOR HARD COPY REPRINTS of more than 50 copies, please write to contact us for permission.

Thanks!

Visit the Devotional Archives

We appreciate your feedback, which is an inspiration, encouragement, and blessing to us! Please use our Contact Us page to send us your response. Thanks!