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Commentary on "Hope Against Depression"
Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, February 5, 2011 - Introduction
Overview
In Sabbath's lesson, the author gives a rough overview of depression, stating that it has been an ailment that has been around since sin entered the world. He states that several Bible characters display traits that by today's medical standards, would fit the criteria for depression. He continues by stating that a common symptom of depression is hopelessness, but as Christians, we are able to cling onto real hope, not that the world gives, but what God's Word promises us. He concludes the lesson by saying there are times when those who struggle with depression need professional help, and that seeking professional help is often an important step for sufferers.
The memory text is, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Problems
At first glance, the lesson's introduction to depression seems to have no problems. Right off the bat, the author releases any burden or shame a reader may have if they suffer from depression. He also states the importance of seeking professional help when needed, which is a crucial point to address.
While all that the author said was true, he fails to actually define what the "hope" against depression is. The closest he comes to actually addressing it is this, "No wonder, then, that the Word of God is filled with promises that can give all of us, no matter our situation, reasons to hope for a better future, if not in this world, then certainly in the next."
It is true that the Word of God is filled with promises and truth that can fill us with hope. But what is this hope actually about? Is it merely hope in a better future or reality, or is it hope in a Person?
Romans 15:13 says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.
God is the source of all hope. Apart from Him, there is none. It it not merely about cognitively clinging to promises in God's Word. God's Word is living, and it is clear through Scripture that the only way to experience this living hope found in God's Word, is by the Holy Spirit. But unless we are born again by the Spirit, we have no access to real hope.
When one is born again, through having faith in Jesus' blood to cleanse our sins--past, present, and future--and being sealed by the Holy Spirit as a result of that faith (Ephesians 1:13), God literally indwells the believer (1 Cor. 3:16, 1 Cor. 6:19, Rom. 8:9). This is more than just being close to God. Once we are born again, the Holy Spirit indwells us and the state of our spirits instantly change from being dead to being alive. Only when our spirits are made alive are we capable of living by the Spirit rather than living by the flesh. Once we are sealed by God's Spirit, and made alive, we are then able to yield and submit to His Spirit. It is the Spirit alone that causes the deep change in us, and only by way of God's Spirit may we abound in the hope that fills us with joy and peace (Romans 15:13).
Summary
- Depression is an ailment that has been present since sin entered the world.
- There are times and situations where professional intervention is needed to assist in overcoming depression.
- While hopelessness is often felt during depression, God can fill us with joy and peace, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Copyright 2011 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised February 11, 2011. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.
Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 7
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 7
