Consider what godly Job cried out in the midst of his suffering: “For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope. I despise my life. Surely, O God, you have worn me out; you have devastated my entire household. But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. And now my life ebbs away; days of suffering grip me. Night pierces my bones; my gnawing pains never rest. I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer ” (Job 3:24; 7:6, 16; 16:7; 23:8; 30:16-17, 20; NIV).

Notice that in spite of Job’s depression, the Bible says, In all this Job did not sin (1:22 NIV). Moreover, God reproved his friends for accusing him of sin and for their failure to speak rightly concerning His servant (see 42:7-8). We must never forget: Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). So when we notice that a sister or brother in Christ is struggling with depression, we must be careful to not be judgmental but to be an encourager instead!

For more from Discover the Book Ministries, please visit  discoverthebook.org .