Day 158, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Kings 11:1-40; Ecclesiastes 1, 2
Chronological Note: the book of Ecclesiastes was written after the peak of King Solomon’s reign. It’s not meant to be divided up as some Bible reading plans do. It’s a development of thought, a perspective of life that begins with hopelessness and ends with a purpose, from “all is meaningless” (chapter 1, verse 2) to “fear the LORD” (12:13).
Genre Note: The poetical form of Ecclesiastes is Wisdom Literature. The sayings are generally true in most cases but aren ' t promises and aren ' t always true. Now, on to today's Bible lesson.
Depression—Some Causes and Cures
When we search for meaning in life, where can we find it ? We may try many things, but it's depressing when we can't perceive any purpose for it. What causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety? What might cure it?
Men are achievement-focused—their jobs and what they accomplish mean a great deal to them. Women, however, are more relationship-focused—their family and friendships are most important. When men cannot achieve things or women have broken relationships, they can become depressed. That's not the only thing that can cause depression, but it's often a starting point.
Today, we look at the wisest and wealthiest man of his day, King Solomon. We'll see what made him depressed and the cure.
At the height of his glory, King Solomon was wise above all others, and he had many servants and more wealth than anyone could count. Solomon completed substantial building projects, including the temple and his palace. The king had expanded the extremity of his borders, his kingdom was at peace with other countries, and he had a vast army with large numbers of chariots and horses.
Solomon also had many wives and a large harem. One wife he was in love with was a Lebanese woman, referred to in yesterday’s lesson in the Song of Solomon. She was one of the 700 wives (a Sidonian) mentioned in today’s Bible reading.
Even Successful People can Get Depressed
If Solomon had wisdom and wealth beyond imagination, why did Solomon get depressed? What happened to him?
Solomon got proud, over-confident, and sloppy in leading the nation. He lived a life of pleasure and violated the LORD's commands. Solomon accumulated enormous amounts of wealth, horses imported from Egypt, and many foreign wives . This was against God's will (Deuteronomy 17:16-17; 1 Kings 10:26-29).His wives influenced him to build altars to false gods and worship them, in addition to his worship of the LORD, the only true God (1Kings 11:1-13).
Sin’s Consequences
Because King Solomon didn't keep the covenant , God declared he would punish him. He would tear Solomon's kingdom away from him and only leave him one prominent tribe (Judah) for his sons to rule. He would lose almost all he had built and for which he had worked. God would now work against him and raise adversaries against Israel.
Have we done stupid things that left undesirable results, leaving us feeling depressed? Sin has consequences, and the answer to wrongdoing is to change our minds and confess our sins to receive forgiveness. That is repentance. If we repent, we may still have to bear some consequences, but God is merciful.
Compromise is Unsatisfying
Solomon pursued knowledge and lived for pleasure. He was now bored; there's “nothing new under the sun,” he moaned. Even the cycle of nature is monotonous to him. Nothing to be accomplished hasn't been achieved already in one form or another. He sees no worthwhile challenges, and the goal of obtaining more wisdom seems like a worthless pursuit. Solomon views all of life as a profitless, purposeless existence
How do we look at life? Do the humanistic opinions of our world influence us, or do we try to see life as God sees it? Where do we find his perspective? A Jewish hymn writer says, “The unfolding of [God’s] words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130, NIV). We find God’s perspective in the Bible.
A Light of Hope
Is there any light in Solomon's dark philosophy? Yes, and we can learn from it. He despairs over working hard to accomplish things in this life and then handing them to someone else who will not care for them, Solomon makes this statement:
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? [emphasis mine]
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner [perhaps a reference to himself] he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This, too, is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 2:24–26, NIV)
Do we have a personal relationship with God? It's only in this relationship that we can find true satisfaction, enjoyment, and blessings. Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and might have [it] abundantly (more...)
Discussion
What are some causes and cures for depression? What caused Solomon to be depressed?
Solomon had a faulty perspective on life. How can wrong views of our life affect us?
Where can we find true satisfaction in life?
End Notes:
This is a possible reference to his son, Rehoboam
Read about the many types of depression in this online article from Webmd and causes and cures in this article from the Cleveland Clinic
For answers to severe cases of depression, I recommend the book, Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness by Edward T. Welch, New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC, ©2011
Daily prayer and putting up Bible verses and other reminders of God's faithfulness can help us overcome depression.
Focus on the Family has free referrals and one free consultation with a counselor to help you or others who are dealing with depression.
If you think you are depressed, you should see your doctor. He may prescribe some helpful medications to alleviate some of the symptoms.
Depression can be serious. You may feel like your in a dark hole and can't get out. You may think your situation is hopeless. Get help! God loves you, your family and friends love you, and you are important!
Focus Verses
John 10:10b (NASB) Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and might have [it] abundantly.”
Psalm 43:5 (NIV) Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: We seek meaning in life, and how we spend it is crucial. We have twenty-four hours in a day. How can we spend our time well? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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