Anyone else ever have that thought?
It wasn’t until I was diagnosed as depressed/borderline bipolar about 10 years ago that the thought occurred to me. Shortly after, I was reading a Psalm and it struck me. Black and white, literally. This guy’s emotions are all over the place. Verse to verse—it changes constantly, many times within the same Psalm.
I’m not trying to be silly or anything. I actually took, and still take, great comfort in that idea. I’ve heard so many sermons in my life about David’s sins, and how God still considered him a man after His own heart, but I’ve never heard one about David’s mental stability. I rather like my perspective. It makes the Bible even more relateable to me. We just don’t hear enough about mental issues in the church. It’s a shame. A lot of us deal with those issues. And frankly, a lot more need to. Three cheers for counseling, and sometimes medication. 😉
King David was bipolar.
And he was still a great king, and
…a man after God’s own heart
…a giant slayer
…a warrior
…a son
…a father
…a husband
…a brother
…a poet
…a friend
…and so much more.
He’s one of my heroes.
He’s messed up, just like me. He needed God, just like me. He’s loved by God, just like me.
By the way, if Psalms were meant to be sung, has anyone ever considered how horrible they would sound? Many of them are so harsh it would be just scary to hear them set to a melody. Kinda like a slasher film set to an opera.
Just one girl’s opinion.
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Mental Post-Its 
August 28, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Well, I for one have just noticed what you noticed, it’s funny how clear it becomes, and don’t you forget for your own self the wonderful influence of music, to engage with the lyre and let those inner heart feelings rest and be risen up without the stain of self and floating as if lifted by unseen wings, comforted by simply hearing the singing or instrument of music, the entrainment of your waves will soothe those rumbling neuronal tempests
August 28, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Yes, great point! Thank you!
December 29, 2012 at 3:40 pm
I have long thought that David was bipolar and that God used that to His advantage. Psalm 6:3-7 is a clear picture of a man who is deeply depressed. He even raises up a veiled threat of suicide in vs. 5. Bipolar individuals often have raging libidos when manic and hence David’s inability to resist Basheeba. A man after God’s own heart may be a man who experiences emotions that are stronger and that range farther than most men’s. That would be consistent with God’s deep love and great wrath. God’s emotions range farther than man’s. But someone like David was like God in that he had the ability, due to his bipolar condition, to be bold and spectacular when God needed him to be. Unfortunately, it also got him into a bit of trouble.
December 30, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Thanks for your thoughts! Great points!
August 23, 2016 at 8:06 pm
I definitely think he was bi-polar. Especially because I’m bi-polar too, there are a lot of times in the psalms where I think, “hey, wait a minute…that mood swing seems very familiar!” I agree. It definitely makes me identify with him; he’s one of my heroes too, and even more with the bible. And it’s also hope-giving, isn’t it, that God had a plan, and a massive one too, for someone with bi-polar. We aren’t write-offs after all!
August 29, 2016 at 4:28 pm
Absolutely, Trisha! Thanks for your thoughts!
November 20, 2016 at 7:28 pm
You made me giggle about that last part. Thanks for that. Its been a rough couple of days going through mixed episodes. After my millionth google search about God and “does he love bipolar people” and on and on I came across a blog that hinted that David was bipolar and of course I ate that up and stuck that in the search bar and came across your post. You probably didn’t need all that detail but in this state speaking the details is a must. I find enormous comfort in the possibility that David was bipolar and I’d like to look into that more.
November 23, 2016 at 9:29 am
So glad I could help you find some comfort! It’s not an easy thing to deal with, and I often describe it as being trapped inside your own body without any control. I hope that you will continue to remember that God loves you unconditionally. And I will say a prayer for you as you go through this!
January 20, 2019 at 11:59 am
Thank you kristiporter for your insight, I can corelate more to David’s personality personally because I am a bipolar too, but GOD has a great and amazing divine plan for everyone dealing with bipolar. Love you from India. #Thank You JESUS for everything in my life.
January 21, 2019 at 9:56 am
Aw, thanks so much! I appreciate your comment and encouragement. Wishing you many blessings!
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January 19, 2023 at 9:32 am
Wow! 11 years later & this blog post is SO on point. I literally just got done reading Psalm 119 & I said to myself, “Whoa, David was ALL over the place!” – then I goggled that exact phrase & your post came up. Thank you for taking the time to create this article. It reassured me that my thought process was not too off. In addition, it further proves that God uses radical people to fulfill His earthly assignments. I believe most people that are considered “off” or “crazy” are the people that can really go after things in a bold & radical way – so this blog post is VERY reassuring & comforting. 🙌🏽
January 19, 2023 at 3:26 pm
So kind of you, Erica! I also find that notion reassuring and comforting to think that God can use any of us—especially if we are a complete mess. 😉 Glad that thought impacted you in the same way. Wishing you many blessings.