In Daniel 4:33, we're told about an incident that happened to the great king Nebuchadnezzar. He was a very proud king and quite full of himself, refusing to even acknowledge God. The prophet Daniel records: "He was driven away from mankind, and he began to eat vegetation just like bulls, and his body became wet with the dew of the heavens, until his hair grew long just like eagles' feathers and his nails were like birds' claws." Were you aware of this great king that was driven mad and lived like an animal for 7 years?

After some time, Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses and acknowledged God. Immediately, his senses were restored and he returned to his place of leadership. Do you know of anyone who faced calamity because of their refusal to acknowledge our Lord and Creator?

Elijah, one of the Lord's great prophets had put to death hundreds of prophets of Baal. The evil queen Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to tell him that she was going to kill him. 1 Kings 19:3-5 tells us his response: "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Is it surprising to you that one of God's greatest prophets suffered from considerable depression and pleaded for death?

Instead of getting his wish, Elijah was awoken by an angel who gave him a cake of bread and water to drink. He was so strengthened, he then journeyed 40 days and 40 nights, where the Lord eventually revealed himself to Elijah. If you have ever suffered from depression, did you eventually recover from it?

One last one: When David (before he was king) was trying to evade capture, he pretended to be seriously mentally ill. The king's response to this reveals how commonplace this was in 1 Samuel 21:13-15 "So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. Achish said to his servants, "Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?"……. Were you aware that mental illness was common even in Bible times – well over 3000 years ago?

Do you yourself suffer from severe depression – or know someone who does?

Is it reassuring to know that even men of great faith suffered from depression?