Depression and the Christian School Classroom | Dr. Bruce Meyer | Ep. 174

“Sadness is not sinful. But when we move into despair and hopelessness, now we’re in dangerous territory.” - Bruce Meyer

 

“The command in Scripture is not that we should always be happy. It’s that we should always be rejoicing in the Lord.” - Bruce Meyer

 

Dr. Bruce Meyer returns to the Teacher Edition podcast for a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation about depression. In a culture where the word depression is often used loosely, and where opinions about it can be strong and divided, this episode helps Christian educators think carefully, biblically, and compassionately. 

 

Jenny and Bruce unpack why depression is such a controversial topic, how it differs from ordinary sadness, and why worldview matters so much in how we define and respond to it. Bruce explains the difference between sadness, discouragement, despair, and hopelessness, while also helping listeners understand that not all sadness is sinful—and not every struggle can be reduced to a quick fix.

"Not all sadness is sinful. The question is: what do I do with that sadness?”

- Bruce Meyer

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How the term depression is often misused in everyday conversation
• How a secular worldview and a biblical worldview approach depression differently
• Whether believers can struggle with sadness or depression
• The role of biblical counseling in helping those who are struggling
• Thoughts on chemical imbalance, medication, and physical influences
• Whether depression is always a physical issue
• What Scripture says about sadness, rejoicing, and suffering
• Why “quick fix” responses are often unhelpful
• How educators can wisely and compassionately support students and colleagues
  

Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. 

 

Go do what God has called you to do!

 

“The doctor can do his work with the body, and I’m going to do my work with the spirit.” - Bruce Meyer

Resources Mentioned:

• The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual): https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

• Bruce Meyer’s depression chart/handout: Helping Those Who Are Depressed

About Our Guest

Dr. Bruce Meyer holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bob Jones University and MDiv and DMin (biblical counseling) degrees from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been in education since 1993 and in higher education since 2001. He has served as a school administrator, assistant pastor, and pastor. After 19 years at Maranatha Baptist University, he joined the seminary faculty at BJU in 2021. Bruce’s counseling specialties include abuse recovery, trauma, and addictions. Married to Kathy since 1987, together they have four children and four grandchildren.

Sponsored By

Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. https://www.bjupress.com/

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