Where and Who

As posted earlier, 18.8 million American adults suffer from major depression.  That's 9.5% of the population over 18 years of age.  And sadly, depression is appearing earlier in age now than ever before.  In this post, I will continue a look at some of the causes for depression as identified by the World Health Organization.

Where you live:  People living in urban settings have a 39% higher risk of suffering depression than those who reside in rural settings.  Affluent societies (those with great wealth and influence) also have a much increased risk of depressive behaviors and mindsets among their population.  It is generally accepted that high levels of stress in life can be a precursor to anxiety and depression, and in these setting where wealth and the accumulation of greater wealth are of primary concern, stress levels run inordinately high.  In addition, there is a glaring disparity between the "haves" and the "have nots."  The underlying reason behind all this is simple:  It is easy to lose sight of what comprises real wealth in this lifetime and to begin to think that amassing great sums of money or owning much is the way to happiness.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."

(I Timothy 6:10)

It is important to note here that money, in and of itself, is not the issue.  Rather, it is the love of money (and the insatiable desire for more) that can lead us to wander from the faith.  Money must be viewed as a tool through which we can accomplish great things for God in this world.  When used to further His work and to help those who are less fortunate, money is truly a blessing... to ourselves and to others.

Urban lifestyles are not inherently bad.  There is, however, an increased level of anxiety that comes with living in close proximity to lots of other people.  Amid the stress of the pressing crowds, Jesus recognized that He needed to separate Himself and spend close, personal time with His Father.  Several scriptures reference Jesus' determination to occasionally remove Himself from the madding crowds and go away to a place of solitude where He could pray and converse with God.  (Read Mark 1:35, 6:45-46, 14:32-34.  Also, Luke 4:42, 5:6, and 6:12.)  Strength for the daily challenges we face in this life can only be found in a solid relationship to the One who created us.  Without personal time with the Lord it is easy to become entangled in the affairs of living and drawn off course.  Our busyness can compromise our spiritual health.

Poor sibling relationships:  Perhaps one of the most effective tools Satan has ever used on the human race has been that of the breakdown of the family unit.  Sibling rivalry was first seen in the lives of Cain and Abel and has continued throughout history as a testament to the devil's desire to damage and destroy the family.
John Steinbeck drew his inspiration for "East of Eden" from that event, and his main characters (Cal and Aron Trask) were reflections of Cain and Abel.  Jacob tricked Esau out of his inheritance by deceiving their father.  Leah and Rachel competed for the love of their husband, Jacob (see Genesis 29 for the story).  In bitterness and jealousy, Joseph's own brothers sold him into slavery and then set an elaborate plan in place to deceive their father.  The remedy for this sin-borne malady is clearly given in Scripture:

 " Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

(I Corinthians 13:4-7)

Despite the dastardly acts of his brothers, Joseph chose to forgive and heap blessings upon them.  He chose to love radically.  A difficult sibling may be a test of our true devotion to the Word of God and its application to our life.  Our God is a God of reconciliation, above all else.  He desires to mend broken relationships, including those with our siblings.  Making the issue a matter of sincere prayer, and then choosing to forgive and act in a loving way toward our siblings is the beginning of healing.  It may not come quickly, nor in the ways we would like to see, but obedience to the call of God is always rewarded.  If nothing else, our sibling relationships are certainly an arena in which to practice the ability to learn appropriate skills and responses for interaction with others.

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

(I Peter 3:8)