One of the most notable sufferers in the Bible is Job (the book of Job). Job lost everything: family, wealth and health, and then he slipped into a deep pit of despair. Job's descriptions of despair are so accurate that we can use them to test our own emotional state. Charles M. Sell, Professor, Trinity Seminary, produced "Job's Depression Test." You can check yourself by marking the appropriate terms:

Extreme sadness. "Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul" (Job 3:20). Which is true of you?

1. I don't feel sad.
2. I am somewhat sad.
3. I am sad all the time and can't get over it.
4. I am so sad that I'm not sure I can stand it anymore.

Sleep disturbance. "When I lie down I think, How long before I get up? The night drags on, and I toss till dawn" (Job 7:4).
1. I do not find myself becoming more tired than usual.
2. I get tired more easily than I used to.
3. I get tired doing almost anything.
4. I am too tired to do anything.

Pessimism about life. "How frail is man, how few his days, how full of trouble! He blossoms for a moment like a flower-- and withers; as the shadow of a passing cloud, he quickly disappears" (Job 14:1-2, TLB).
1. I am not discouraged about the future.
2. I feel discouraged about the future.
3. I feel I have nothing to look forward to.
4. I feel the future is hopeless and I have nothing to look forward to.

Life seems worthless. "Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life" (Job 9:21).
1. I get as much satisfaction out of things as I always have.
2. I don't enjoy things the way I used to.
3. I don't get real satisfaction out of anything anymore.
4. I am dissatisfied or bored with everything.

Helplessness. "I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil" (Job 3:26).
1. I don't cry any more than usual.
2. I cry more now than I used to.
3. I cry all the time.
4. I used to be able to cry, but now can't cry even though I want to.

Physical signs of sadness. "My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow" (Job 17:7).
1. My appetite is no worst than normal.
2. My appetite is not as good as it used to be.
3. My appetite is much worst now.
4. I have no appetite at all.

Sexual signs.
1. I have not noticed any recent change in my interest in sex.
2. I am less interested in sex than I used to be.
3. I am much less interested in sex now.
4. I have lost interest in sex completely.

Desire for death. "… to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure" (Job 3:21).
1. I don't have thoughts of killing myself.
2. I have thoughts of killing myself, but would not carry them out.
3. I would like to kill myself.
4. I would kill myself if I had the chance.

If you have any thoughts about taking your life, consider this an emergency and get help now! Call 1-800-273-8255 or 911 and ask for help.
Other signs of depression:
1. Feelings of failure
2. Lack of satisfaction
3. Irritation
4. Loss of interest in people.

NOTE: This is a brief self-check list. It is not intended to be absolutely accurate. It might tell you that you need to see a professional counselor. This devotional study should not be used in place of professional counsel.
If you marked a lot of ones and a few twos then depression is not on your doorstep. However, if you marked a lot of threes and fours you, like Job, have entered some sort of dark tunnel. Do any these situations explain what has happened in your life lately?

1. Death of a loved one (bereavement).
2. Loss of a job.
3. Loss of a primary relationship (friend, boyfriend, mentor).
4. Onset of a debilitating illness or injury.
5. Have been attacked or wounded emotionally by someone else, resulting in anger. "Anger turned inward" once was thought to be the cause of depression, but is no longer accepted. However, when anger is turned inwards, or repressed, we don't talk about our feelings because maybe a parent or a spouse or a boss has said something to make us feel guilty or angry. Then we can feel lonely, sad, guilty.
6. Demon possession. (The New Testament confirms demon possession and oppression.)

Ask yourself, "How many of the symptoms of depressions do I have?" Should I consider seeing a physician or counselor about treatment options?