Depression - Part II
February 2021 |
Another spiritual cause of depression is a lack of purpose. One of the things missing in the lives of some people who are depressed is purpose, or a reason for living. Everyone lives for something, so the problem doesn’t seem to be having purpose, but rather that person reaching the conclusion that what he had been living for is no longer worth the effort, or a major change in his life causes him to reevaluate his purpose.
Solomon was probably the richest man of his day, so he could have had anything and everything he wanted. He came to the point in his life when he got everything his heart desired (Eccl. 2:1-11).
He got all kinds of possessions, position, popularity, power, and pleasure, but found it was empty and worthless (Eccl. 2:11).
He realized that a person cannot love the world, which is the lust of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (I John 2:16) and God at the same time (I John 2:15).
He also discovered that the things of the world are temporary, and the things of God are the only things that are eternal (I John 2:17). Jesus said the same thing in John 12:25.
Ultimately, people choose a plan and purpose for their lives from one of only two alternatives available: Satan offers having everything stolen, killed, and destroyed; God offers abundant life (John 10:10).
Satan’s plan and purpose leads to hell that will include:
• Sorrow (Gen. 42:38, 2 Samuel 22:6, Isa. 14:9, 15)
• Eternal, literal fire (Mark 9:43-48, Luke 16:19-31, Jude 7)
• Full consciousness (Isa. 14:9-15; Luke 16:19-31)
• Eternal torment (Luke 16:23-25, 28; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:10)
• Regrets (Luke 16:25-31)
• Eternal damnation (Mark 3:29)
• Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Mark 3:29)
• Everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46)
• Shame and everlasting contempt (Dan. 12:2)
• Separation from God
• No rest (Rev. 14:11)
God told Jeremiah, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11).
God was telling Jeremiah to tell Israel this when they were captives of the Babylonians. Today we would call them prisoners of war. God wanted to encourage them and let them know He was not through with them and that even though they were having problems, He had tremendous plans for them. In spite of their immediate circumstances, His plans were created for their greatest fulfillment and contentment, and to help them toward a great future.
If they followed Him, it would lead them to heaven which included:
• No more death (I Cor. 15:26; Rev. 20:7-15, 21:4)
• No more sorrow (Rev. 21:4, 22:3)
• No more pain or sickness (Gen. 3:14-19; Rev. 21:4)
• Eternal inheritance (Rom. 8:17; Rev. 21:7)
• No more temptation or sin (Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:5)
• No more tears or crying (Isa. 25:8; Rev. 7:17, 21:4)
• Eternity in the presence of God (Rev. 21:7)
• Eternal life
• Eternal sonship (I John 3:1-2; Rev. 21:7)
• No more curse (Rev. 22:3)
Surprisingly, more people choose to follow Satan than those who follow God’s plan and purpose (Matt. 7:13-14).
Probably the biggest reason for that is because Satan lies and deceives people into believing that his plan and purpose will be more beneficial (Gen. 3:1-7).
Another reason Satan’s way is more popular is because he has many more people presenting his plan. But his way has a huge price tag; God’s way is free.
God is still asking everyone the same question He asked Solomon early in his life: “What do you really want?” (I Kings 3:5)
Each person can choose, regardless of his or her past, to follow Satan’s plan or God’s plan and purpose.
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