How Can A Christian Overcome Depression
Psalm 32:1-5
What does the Bible say about depression? How can a Christian overcome depression? And what biblical methods and modern methods should be used when a Christian is dealing with depression?
Here are 3 pointers to help Christians overcome depression.
Acknowledge You Actually Are Depressed
When it comes to depression, there can be a lot of shame for Christians. Many Christians have been taught that to be a good Christ follower means you are happy and kind all the time no matter what. If you dont smile, you must not be doing well with the Lord, or so the false narrative often goes in many churches.
In response to the shame and guilt Christians often feel about depression, many try to solve this problem through denying they actually are depressed. They not only deny that they are depressed to other Christians, they also try to deny these feelings of unhappiness to themselves too.
The first step, therefore, for Christians to overcome depression is to actually acknowledge it. Christians must realize that it is not a sin to be depressed. We can sin in our depression. We can turn our backs on God because of our depression. Actions like that would certainly be sinful. But feeling depressed is not a sin itself. If we dont acknowledge our true feelings of depression when they are present, we will not be able to rightly ask Jesus to meet us where we are at.
Christians Must Determine If the Depression Is Spiritual, Circumstantial, or Biological
To The Depressed Christian
I close my eyes, turn toward the back of the couch and curl my knees up to my chest.
Dont hang up, I cry softly into the phone. Im afraid to be alone.
My husbands coming home early. Todays one of the bad days.
If I admit my thoughts to someone, theyll think Im crazy. Am I going crazy?
No, youre not.
For me , depression came with the winter, though warning signs could be felt and seen much sooner. A born and bred Southern girl, Id gotten married, started a new job and moved across the country to Minnesota all within two weeks, and just in time for the cold.
I was tired. Really tired. I was edgy and emotional and anxious. I began noticing that I felt exactly like it looked outside gray and miserable. Numb. I sank further and further until finally breaking down one day at a work conference. I just could not go through the motions anymore. I felt like I was dying inside.
If youre in the thick of the dark and lonely place that is depression, I wish I could wrap my arms around you and cry with you, because I know how badly you hurt.
I am a Christian, but depression tempted me to distrust God. I was desperately seeking deliverance. He seemed to be withholding it from me.
Why will you not lift me out of this pit? Id cry. Are you not a deliverer? Why do the voices of despair sound so much louder than yours?
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Know You Are Worthy And Loved Right Here And Right Now
What are some things that you have done when struggling? Id love to hear your thoughts
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Mr And Mrs Guy And Amber Lia And Mrs Jean Daly
Amber Lia is a work-at-home mom, blogger, public speaker, and co-author of two best-selling books. Her husband, Guy, is a former TV, feature film, and VFX development and production executive who has worked on popular TV shows and films. Guy and Amber own Storehouse Media Group, a faith- and family-friendly TV and film production company based in Los Angeles,
Scripture To Encourage You If Youre Struggling With Depression
There are other passages in the Bible that we can turn to when facing depression, and these include the following. Part of overcoming depression is to get the help needed to overcome unhealthy patterns of thinking.
Through therapy for depression, which may include medication, and by holding onto verses such as these to help guide your mind towards truth, it is possible to overcome depression. If you or someone you know struggles with suicidal thoughts or tendencies, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK any time day or night 24/7, or online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart, the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalms 143:7-8
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world. John 16:33
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Unforgiveness Leads To Depression
A study led by Italys Department of Education in 2019 shows unforgiveness was related to hedonic balance and depression. In contrast, forgiveness is effective in regulating and reducing depression.
Dysfunctional or aggressive behaviors triggered by anger, severing ties with friends, or ruminating others a danger can lead to depressive thoughts, loneliness, and guilt.
- God commands us to forgive because unforgiveness cause bitterness .
- It imprisons our minds and prevents us from experiencing true joy.
- Unforgiveness is the root of bitterness and causes trouble.
- Forgiveness brings us peace of mind.
Colossians 3:12-15 If you have something against someone, forgive him. That is the way the Lord forgave you. And to all these things, you must add love Let the peace of Christ have power over your hearts
Forgiveness brings us peace of mind.
Case And Point: Mark Goodnight
Mark Goodnight wanted to kill himself at age five and again at 15. Diagnosed with level-5 neuroticism, he suffered from anxiety and anhedonia.
He saw a dozen psychiatrists and took medication for a time. Mark read self-help books to soothe depression and even did illegal drugsbut none helped. Things began to change when he began reading the Bible. When he became a Christian, someone laid hands and prayed for healing in Jesus name. Suddenly, the blackness that consumed his life for the last twenty-five years was gone in an instant.
Its been 25 years since then, and I have no issue,
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Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another. Those are the powerful words of bestselling author Gary Thomas in his newest bookCherish. And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, it is needed now more than ever. Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words.
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Finding Hope With Christian Counseling
Theres no shame in needing help to recover from episodes of depression. While there are many Bible verses for depression and plenty of examples of people experiencing depression in the Bible, the hope offered by the Bible only goes part way towards helping you to recover.
Getting in touch with a Christian counselor is the logical next step when youre struggling with depression. Christian counseling gives you the opportunity to talk about your feelings and explore the reasons for your depression.
A Christian counselor brings a biblical perspective to counseling and can teach you skills for managing your depression. You can also delve deeper into what the Bible says about depression during Christian counseling sessions.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact one of our counselors for further information.
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When Doctors Or Faith Didnt Help
In 2018, Andrew Stoecklein, a young and vibrant megachurch Pastor, preached about depression, then killed himself. In 2019, Jarrid Wilson, church leader and mental health advocate committed suicide.
Likewise, Matthew, son of Rick Warren, killed himself. Jeff Morris, son of Charles, host of Haven Today, died from a drug overdose.
Indeed, these men are not faithless, so why did they lose the battle, despite so many prayers, therapy, and medication?
Are spiritual deliverance biblical?
Bible Verses On Depression
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39
Among the many verses for depression, Romans 8:38-39 offers a powerful reminder that there is nothing in the world, no matter how seemingly powerful, that can separate us from Gods love. The illustration of the intense power of Christs love is inspiring and can help lead us through the most difficult of lifes challenges.
So do not fear, for I am with you do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
Bible verses that deal with depression make it clear that God is the light that will guide us through lifes foggy points. When we are looking for strength, we know where to turn. Sometimes, simply starting with prayer and admitting our brokenness is the first step to healing.
You are my hiding place you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. – Psalm 32:7-8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7
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You can confidently and lovingly share your faithyou just need to learn some new tactics to do so! In this Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast, apologist Greg Koukl outlines the Columbo tactic of asking questions, the self-defeating argument tactic to find holes in your opponents arguments, and other specific methods for engaging in faith-building conversations with others. Greg pulls from his over 30 years of experience debating atheists and agnostics to help you share your faith with grace and truth.
Read Scriptures For Revelations
Jesus prayed several times a day and often went to a quiet place to talk to God so should we . Faith grows by reading the Bible, and we bear fruit of joy when we abide in Jesus, the true vine.
Gods law is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. When I feel afraid, think Ive lost my way, still youre there right beside me.And nothing will I fear, as long as you are near, please be near me to the end.
Psalm 139:23Search me, God, and know my heart Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in an everlasting way.
POWER DECLARATION ON DEPRESSION.
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Helpful Things For Christians Walking Through Depression To Remember
Depression is misunderstood by many, and it often carries a stigma. Unless youve gone through depression, it is difficult to comprehend how terrible it is. Finding healing is not easy, and it takes time. No one has all the answers. But these are some helpful things to remember if you are a Christian walking through depression or if you know someone who is.
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Giving Up Sugar Tasting God’s Goodness
As a latchkey kid, Wendy Speake turned to sugar for comfort. Every Friday, she would pedal to the candy show and use her allowance to fill her bag with candy. And one day, when she was older and a mom of three young boys, she came to realize that she was still pedaling away from her stress and using sugar as comfort, instead of turning to Jesus. She was joyless, worn out, tired, and in need of a change. In this interview, Wendy will challenge Christians to take 40 days to focus on fasting from something they turn to instead of Jesus for comfort. She invited people to break free from a dependence on sugar and taste the goodness of God.
Depression In The Bible: Stories To Encourage
In addition to focusing on depression in the Bible and ways in which verses and prayers can help remedy the pain we experience in our own lives, its also worth briefly exploring how the Bible showcases depression in the lives of biblical figures.
Various people discussed in the Old and New Testaments truly struggled with depression, despair and other related issues. From Davids anguish in Psalms to struggles faced by Elijah, Jeremiah and Moses, depression in the Bible is very real and present.
Crosswalk has more about Moses story:
Moses was grieved over the sin of his people. In his feelings of anger and betrayal from his own people, Moses, as a leader, was about ready to quit. He came down from his mountaintop experience with God, commandments in hand, only to find the Israelites in complete chaos and sin. His heart-cry to God on their behalf was desperate: But now, please forgive their sin but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. – Exodus 32:32
In the end, people in the Bible like many people today faced disappointments and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Perhaps most noteworthy, though: the Scriptures show that these people were often able to overcome depression, fears and worries by relying on God.
The first step to overcoming situational sadness is to turn to the Almighty, to read Scripture and to pray for guidance. God can help people journey through any challenge.
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Our world is full of anxiety and depression. One look around at the news, it seems like each day is getting worse and worse. Your life feels more and more overwhelming by the week. We find ourselves slowly losing hope for the future.
Anxiety is the tendency to stress and fear about things. It’s the gnawing feeling in your soul that sees a bleak situation and feels helpless. The truth of the matter is that you have the greatest help in the universe: God. The Lord hears your cries and wants to save you.
As Christians, we need to put our minds in Christ Jesus. By putting our hope in God, we understand that He has already overcome the world. He is the God of all comfort and the God that surpasses all understanding. If you struggle with worry and stress, or anxiety and depression, lean on the word of God to renew your strength. God saves the crushed in spirit and opposes the proud.
Here is a list of our favorite Scripture quotes to combat anxiety and depression. Put your hearts and your minds to this list and hear what God wants to tell you. Here are 38 powerful Bible verses to help you overcome anxiety and depression.