As we have already seen in the previous articles many things can cause depression and the more problems not dealt with in a biblical way, the deeper the depression. So let’s look at another problem that can cause depression, which so many suffer from today – loneliness. Why does loneliness run so rampant in our society? Could it be because there is little face to face fellowship with other people on a regular basis? Much of the world spends an enormous amount of time sitting in front of their TV sets, their computers, or on their Smartphones. Indeed there is plenty to keep us busy, but many have only a few friends, if any at all, and they too are busy sitting in front of their TV sets, their computers, and on their Smartphones. After awhile, loneliness can turn into depression especially if there are other problems present that are not dealt with in a biblical way.

So how do we deal with loneliness in a biblical way? For the Christian he must realize that he is not completely alone. “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teachings. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him’” (John 14:23) God the Father and Jesus Christ will make their home with us. Wow! That is an amazing statement. It is their home. The glory of God, the wisdom of God, the love of God, all that is God makes their home with you. When you embrace this truth and learn how to live in His presence, you will never feel lonely again. On the other hand, if you are on mind altering drugs supposedly to cure your emotional or psychological problem don’t suppose for a minute that a most Holy God will come and dwell with you.

Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14). In your obedience to His commands, you begin to realize His friendship – that deep, abiding friendship. Friends share things with one another. Jesus desires to tell you things that will draw you ever closer to Him, allowing you to pull open the veil and understand things that are happening in your world. You can see the hand of God. Friends do things together.  Jesus beckons you to come and join Him in His mission – to join Him in His work. True friends are always there for one another. Jesus Christ is there for you. Are you there for Him? Meet with Him as often as you want. He is always there, waiting to talk to you as you go about your daily routine or as you sit in quite meditation, allowing His words from scripture to flood your soul. You are never really alone in Christ Jesus. But it does not stop there. The Bible says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

So we must move out of our comfort zone and get involved in the local assembly of Christians. To do so is the first step in learning how to re-focus our attention on others and away from self. The best way to spur one another toward love and good deeds is by setting them an example of your love and good deeds. The best way to encourage is to actually come in contact with another person. To encourage means to come along side,  to have a face to face encounter with another person for the purpose of building them up. Friends, we cannot do that over the telephone or sitting in front of our TVs or on Facebook. We must get up and have a face-to-face exchange of love and information with another believer in Christ. This is the biblical response to loneliness. As we respond to each of our problems in a biblical way, then slowly one step at a time we begin to reverse our depression until we are completely out of the pit of depression. Please understand that we have only looked at a few of the many different problems on my website that can cause depression if not responded to correctly. Hopefully by giving you these examples it will encourage you to bring all of your problems to the Word of God allowing its truth to become your divine remedy.

Taken from my book: “Stand Firm, Godly Counsel for the Last Days.”  Copyright © 2013 Rev. Daniel W. Blair – Under the copyright law these articles may be used for nonprofit educational purposes. Please do so to strengthen your fellow believer to remain faithful to Jesus and obedient to His commandments.

These are only examples of Biblical Counseling for the Christian believer. Since the details of your situation are fact dependent, you should additionally seek the services of a Biblical Counselor in person along with the help of the Holy Spirit.