“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14).
The shocking news of the suicide death of actor Robin Williams has left millions of people all over the world with a mystery: how could someone known for a whole-face smile that caused multitudes of people to laugh to the point of tears be so distraught and dark that he would take his own life? Many are perplexed, and there are many others who are saying to themselves: if anyone knew how desperately depressed I am, they would be surprised.
I write as someone who has seen depression across numerous generations in my own family, and as a pastor who has officiated at the funerals of those who have taken their own lives.
Many are turning to the Scriptures to understand, and if they look widely, they will find not only the hope the Scriptures offer, but also the honesty and accuracy with which the Scriptures account for one of the most common inner maladies of all time: depression.
King David despaired of life more than once. Not only do we have dozens of “psalms of lament,” but we have physiological descriptions of the effects of the broken heart, as in Psalm 38: “there is no health in my body…. my guilt has overwhelmed me, like a burden too heavy to bear…. I am bowed down and brought very low… all day long I go about mourning…. I am feeble and utterly crushed…. my heart pounds, my strength fails me…. I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak…. I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me…. LORD, do not forsake me.”
[receive Mel Lawrenz’s weekly article]
This is not a description of “feeling low,” or sad, or unhappy, but rather, what can happen when sadness deepens into despair and then into a physical condition.
Even powerful and successful people can be brought low in depression. The prophet Elijah defeated the false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. It was a stunning victory by God. And yet, fleeing the wrath of Jezebel, Elijah went into isolation and prayed, “I have had enough, LORD, take my life, I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4-5).
God did not condemn Elijah for being destitute and depressed. God did not say: Buck up, man. Where is your faith? Shake it off. Instead, an angel of God came, touched Elijah, and offered fresh-baked bread and a jar of water (1 Kings 19:5-6). This is the way God is. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
At a desperate moment the prophet Jonah wanted to die: “Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3).
And then there is Job, whose illnesses and profound losses made him despair of life—and his wife and “friends” did not help. It has often been said that God did not offer Job answers for his questions, but instead, God offered himself.
This is what God does and what we must do for each other—to be a caring presence. What makes deep depression dangerous is isolation. Often someone else needs to help the seriously depressed person get connected with the right medical and spiritual resources. We need to know when we are the right people to make those connections. None of us should be put off if our well-meaning words do nothing to help a depressed friend. That may be the time when we need to do less talking, and just be there.
As one desperate man said: “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty” (Job 6:14).
Listen to Mel Lawrenz’s audio interview with Dr. Doug Schoen on the topic “When We Are Ill.”
Hi there – I agree and concur that all life’s answers are found in Scripture. God is no respecter of persons, what He has done for others (over the ages), He will do for you. We are lost without Godly wisdom, life is doubly tough for those that do not make God the centre of their lives..it’ll all be in vain in the end without Him! I pray that people that are left bereft after Robin’s demise will ask God for wisdom..
Shalom!
Conceived when my mother was on a home visit from a psych hospital, survivor of her attempts to kill me as an infant, it is obvious that mental illness is part of my legacy. Having struggled with depression my whole life, I can understand being at the point of despair where death seems like relief from pain. Medication takes the edge off. What helps most is when others don’t try to understand what they haven’t experienced but rather come along side me, stepping into my self imposed isolation, and offering friendship/companionship. Depression is a real & serious illness that should not be ignored by the church.
As a teenager my Mother said she was going to kill herself because she was so depressed. I thought I could help her. I joined NAMI several years later and learned that no one can stop a depressed person from killing themselves. My daughter and granddaughter have depression,too. My granddaughter cuts herself and drank vodka at school to survive her depression. My daughter sent Angie to Roger Hospital for 2 weeks but they could not help her. This year the police pick her up and sent her to jail. I wish I could help her. I tell her I love her but this is not enough. Now she is having a baby boy and I hope he does not experience depression.
A friend in full-time ministry recently committed suicide after a long struggle with mental illness. So, sad as it is, no, I am not shocked when an actor who has struggled with substance abuse commits suicide. May God give grace to those in need of help to seek it and wisdom to those who come alongside.
I love your comment about “wisdom for those who walk along side”.
I have suffered from depression probably my whole life, but first addressed it officially at age 40. I am now 62. God has been most faithful in giving me the tools to get through my bouts. I have just recently had a dear friend tell me how difficult it is to be a good friend to someone suffering from depression. It was a great thing for me to hear. Even though I was angry at the time, it caused me to look outside myself, which is often helpful for me. I am grateful that God gave her the wisdom to tell me that she was not going to “go down with me”.
Thanks for the sensitive insight into the surprising death of Robin Williams and the Scriptural perspective on life, hope and mental and spiritual health. Yes, lets pray that many people look to the Scriptures and to the Lord for answers to some tough questions. There is a United Nations cartoon film on depression that is very helpful. We use it in Portugese here in Brazil. It is called, “The Black Dog”.
Thanks for the sensitive insight into the surprising death of Robin Williams and the Scriptural perspective on life, hope and mental and spiritual health. Yes, lets pray that many people look to the Scriptures and to the Lord for answers to some tough questions. There is a World Health Org cartoon film on depression that is very helpful. We use it in Portugese here in Brazil. It is called, “I had a Black Dog”.
Yes, Indeed it was very sad to hear about Robin Williams. I have seen one of our church member in a similar state. Thank God for the scripture which is alive and keeps us going in this tough world of competition and sin. I know for sure that it is only THE WORD and the Holy Spirit that guides us. Sincere prayers for those that are going through this serious illness. In Jesus name Amen.