David: Depression?

The disorder is so common that it is called “the common cold of mental illness.”

David, who you may recall slayed Goliath as a young boy, was a harp player and considered “a man after God’s own heart.” He eventually became King David and was credited with writing the book of Psalms. He wasn’t perfect and there was some drama in his life.  Before David became King, his popularity made him a target of his jealous predecessor, King Saul.  David was forced into lengthy periods of hiding from Saul who made it his mission to hunt him down. After becoming King, while at war to unite the kingdom, David had an affair with a married women Bathsheba, whom he impregnated. It gets messy - David brings Bathsheba’s husband Uriah home from the battlefield to sleep with Bathsheba in an effort to cover up the indiscretion.  But Uriah refused to sleep with Bathsheba, as he did not think it appropriate while his comrades were at war. David then orders Uriah to the front of the battle lines to be killed and takes Bathsheba to be his wife.

The Book of Psalms contains some of David’s distressing thoughts and personal struggles. Upon reading these words David struggles resemble depression like symptoms.

My heart pounds, my strength fails me; 
even the light has gone from my eyes.

Psalm 38:10

I am worn out from groaning; 
all night long I flood my bed with weeping 
and drench my couch with tears.

Psalm 6:6

My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.

Psalm 55:2

My heart is in anguish within me; 
the terrors of death assail me.

Psalm 55:4

Fear and trembling have beset me:
 horror has overwhelmed me.

Psalm 55:5

My tears have been my food
day and night.

Psalm 42:3

Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

Psalm 42:7

For troubles without number surround me; 
…I cannot see.

Psalm 40:12

My heart is blighted and withered like grass: 
I forget to eat my food. 
Because of my loud groaning
I am reduced to skin and bones.
I am like a desert owl, 
like an owl among the ruins. 
I lie awake; I have become
like a bird alone on a roof.

Psalm 102:4-7

The book of Psalms highlights David’s anguish and suffering, however as you can see in Psalm 23, and many other Psalms, David did find comfort in God.

The Lord is my shepherd, 
I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me besides quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness 
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley
 of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

For you are with me;

Your rod and your staff,

They comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me 
in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me

All the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

Psalm 23

Check out this inspiring version of Canadian artist Leonard Cohen's song Hallelujah which references one of David's struggles.