Proverbs 12:25 - Homiletics

Depression

This proverb shows us depression of soul in its own distress and gloom, and then gives a hint of the way in which it may be remedied.

I. THE STATE OF DEPRESSION . The heart is bowed down with heaviness. This is very different from external adversity and from the natural feelings that are produced by such a condition. It may be quite independent of circumstances. The buoyant soul will face great ca]amities with comparative cheerfulness, while the heavy heart is depressed among sight of unbroken prosperity.

1 . Depression is caused by personal conditions. Not being the reflection of circumstance, it must be the expression of internal experience. Frequently it is a result of a man's bodily state, a merely nervous disorder or a consequence of deranged health. We look for religious remedies when the true cure is in the hands of the physician. But it may be that melancholy thoughts have depressed the soul. Then the gloom within is projected on to the world without, and the sunnier scenes are overclouded.

2 . Depression is a deplorable state of mind. It is a source of deep distress to the sufferer. It spreads an atmosphere of gloom among others. It checks enterprise by paralyzing hope. If the joy of the Lord is our strength, sorrow of soul must be a source of weakness. Depressed Christian people discredit the name of religion by making it appear unattractive to the world. Gratitude is scarcely compatible with depression, and the soul that has given way to this deplorable experience is not likely to sing the praises of God. Thus depression tends to check worship. On the other hand, it reveals the soul's great need of God, who in his long suffering compassion has pity on his distressed children. "He knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust."

II. THE CURE OF DEPRESSION . When it is due to physical causes, physical remedies may be needed. In many cases, change of scene and brighter circumstances may help to remove it. But there are also social and moral remedies, among which not the least valuable is a wise expression of brotherly kindness. Pure condolence may do more harm than good by aggravating the painful symptoms, and yet "a good word maketh" the heart "glad."

1 . The utterance of the word may be helpful. Isolation and silence are depressing. "It is not good for man to be alone." The heavy heart seeks solitude, and uncongenial society cannot be helpful. But sympathetic society's healing, even though it be admitted with reluctance. Christ founded a Church. He sought to cheer his people amid the various scenes of their heaven ward pilgrimage by means of Christian companionship.

2 . The contents of the word should be helpful. We may not do much good by moralizing. Though advice for the depressed is easy to find, it is not often acceptable. But words of affection are wonderfully healing. Cheerful thoughts should help the depressed.

3 . It is our duty to relieve the depressed. To blame, to shun, or to patronize are all no-Christlike methods. But the Christian should endeavour to make the world brighter by his presence. Above all, if it is possible to lead the depressed to hope in God, the surest method of cure is within our reach.