I was thinking of soldiers returning from war. What sin are they harboring?
While each case would have different sin the bottom line issue would be because of sin.
Some war vets often grapple with guilt or despair over what they have seen and done which brings on depression. Guilt can lead us to despair and self-destruction. It often causes us to give up hope, lash out at others, and even kill ourselves if not dealt with biblically. Those in Christ have the peace of mind in knowing that as long as they are doing what the Lord would have them to do their actions are not condemning. The person who holds onto what they have seen and done because of a lack of faith instead of letting it go through confession and forsaking may very well suffer emotionally, but the issue is sin not what they saw and did.
If you look into the bible here are some who suffered what would be classified as PTSD today.
Peter and Judas both denied the Lord and both suffered guilt, despair and depression. One killed himself and one confessed and forsook and was healed. The issue is about faith because the cause is spiritual. Some Others in the bible are as follows;
David Psalms
6,
13,
18,
23,
25,
27,
31,
32,
34,
37-40,
42-43,
46,
51,
55,
62-63,
69,
71,
73,
77,
84,
86,
90-91,
94-95,
103-104,
107,
110,
116,
118,
121,
123-124,
130,
138,
139,
141-143,
146-147)
Cain
So the question is how did they handles the depression (or today what is called PTSD)
In the case of Cain he is in depression after his sin over his punishment and God responds;
Then the LORD said to Cain, ‘Why are you
angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right,
sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.’”
—
Genesis 4:6-7
DAVID, King of Israel (having committed adultery was depressed until he confessed his sin)
“When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah.”
-
Psalm 32:3-4
Release from depression caused by guilt came from confession and seeking God's forgiveness…
“For I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from before Your eyes’; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my
supplications When I cried out to You. Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the
faithful, And fully repays the
proud person. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who
hope in the LORD.
Blessed is he whose transgression is
forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no
deceit. …I
acknowledged my
sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will
confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ And You
forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”
—
Psalm 31:22 - 32:2, 32:5 (NKJV)
The answer is with God;
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in
God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. …For You are the God of my strength…” (Psalm
42:5,
43:2—NKJV).
