7 Brutal Realities of Being a Christian with Depression. Paul pointed out that faith comes through hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17). But, again, this is unscriptural. It's okay to love Jesus and have anxiety. I dont blame them. Depression can have many sources. Follow me closely here: The tendency toward depression or alcoholism is not a sin; giving in to them, however, is a sin. Challenging scenario for you. The only reason why you have it now is so you can temporarily be a part of this physical universe (see 2 Corinthians 5:1, Galatians 5:16). Paul also admonishes us, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthymeditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8). Is Your Church Making You Depressed? | Church Depresses Me - Beliefnet Does your churchs method of dealing with conflict involve talking about people rather than to people? When I appear to be lead into depression by the enemy, I tell him to get in Jesus’ Name. Thats rightyour place of worship might be making you depressed. What depresses me is that many who call themselves Christians continue to roll around in their slop. Physical activities such as jogging, walking, ballroom dancing, swimming and team sports can all help. Piper uses real-life examples and sensitive narrative to show readers abundant reason to hope that God will pull them out of the pit of despair and into the light once again. Clinical depression is a serious illness, with various physical, mental and social symptoms, which can incapacitate people. Instead of offering simple platitudes or unrealistic cure-all formulas, Edward T. Welch, a biblical counselor at CCEF (the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation) who specializes in these matters, addresses the complex nature of depression with compassion and insight, applying the rich treasures of the gospel, and giving fresh hope to those who struggle. Although I do have to say, there are times when I feel Godwhen I feel heaven. 12:12). Is there something spooky going on in your house? What is a biblical understanding of depression. Some people allow this to happen all their lives and they think its okay because its coming from a person on stageITS NOT! #1 I know it sounds odd, but I was thinking about this last night, and sometimes I really think just being a Christian makes me depressed sometimes. This interview with Dane Ortlund addresses several broken conditions of the human heart by highlighting how Gods beauty brings freedom and healing in our busyness, temptations, boredom, and depression. And, what if I'm wrong on important matters of faith no matter how hard I try? Prioritize sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet. 1 Kings chapter 19 describes Elijah's journey through deep depression. I'm a student at BCS, and I am very grateful for all the lessons God is teaching me here, but I dread going to class. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson clashed with former Vice President Mike Pence over Ukraine at a GOP . It is a real and complex condition that requires understanding, compassion, and appropriate treatment. That is, if you believe you are. He continues to trust God despite his struggles. It can happen because of sin, satanic assault, distressing circumstances, or hereditary and other physical causes. But sometimes He chooses not to fix whats wrong for a better overall result for mankind. People are hurting. When I am weighed down by my fears and worries, remind me of your power and grace. I just am completely lost right now and more than anything I just wish I had never been born. Yet certain mistakes can linger in your memory even when you try to move forward. Lay the depression at the foot of the cross and move forward in your walk. The book of Job in the Bible tells the story ofa holy man, Job, who suffers a series of calamities, including the loss of his family, his health, and his wealth. YOU ARE ROYALTY! Dont hesitate to find a place of deeper worship if this is the case for you. The pastor never answers his phone, and no one is interested in the lives of anyone else. John Bunyan suffered long-term imprisonment and was moved to rely on God even more. What is a biblical understanding of depression? If your churchs leadership and congregation take pleasure in finding dirt on one another and publicly exposing it, its definitely time to move on. I could easily continue. It can stem from hurtful comments about your gender. Despite month after month of debilitating depression, William Cowpers poetry reflected the sustaining character of God and led him to worship more deeply. We can set off with good intentions and then slide back in. God does not work for them because they are not doing what is required of them by Him. A graduate of Washburn University, Maggies career has been invested in helping nonprofit organizations have greater impact. Without eternal life, unrighteous people cannot live forever and the Bible doesn't teach immortality for all people, only those who receive the free gift of eternal life by faith in the son of God. While depression involves similar signs, these symptoms wont necessarily relate just to your faith or spirituality. You are using an out of date browser. Sharing feelings of depression with your faith leader can also be a good way to get some additional guidance. Some scandals are part of the fabric of our country. Stress, anxiety, depression, and fear are all feelings most of us are no strangers to. A study published in the journal Addiction found that teenagers who. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and as someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, I want share my heart with you. 1. David Brainerd so desired to honor God that through the loneliness of wilderness ministry and the agony of tuberculosis, he pressed on, transforming world missions forever. Climbing out of depression can be likened to trying to climb out of a slippery pit. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is crucial when dealing with depression. If eternal conscious hell is the truth, what if God sends me there (and worse, people I misled by converting) for being arrogant enough to question his plan, or for being wrong on anything else? Give hope. Being a Christian = depression? | Christian Forums Charles Spurgeon Knew It Was Possible to Be Faithful and Depressed Anyone who takes the time to really understand the Bible can see that. Talk to Him. Those same people who do these things within their families, workplaces, and communities, bring their flaws to church with them. Nonetheless, God did not want him to remain in this condition. And if that doesnt work? Its good for a church to have guidelines in place to handle troublesome issues, but when those guidelines include spying and reporting on one another, things have gone too far. If you're a Christian, the Spirit gives you soaring delight in Christ. Having the opportunity to be actively in the service of God can surprise you with joy. I'm scared to take a firm stance on some issues, but I'm also scared to not take a firm stance, because the Bible condemns the fearful. Can Christians Be Depressed? Answers & Biblical Examples - Just Disciple This demonstrates that God understands our pain and is ready to meet us in our darkest moments. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I'm normally an optimistic person and full of life. Research is mixed on whether vitamins can treat seasonal depression. Church is not a social club, or a place for others to take out their hurts on each other. Let them know you are with them. Make sure any therapists youre considering have a license to provide mental health services. Christians should not remain in a depressive state. This is the church that loves to look at itself in the mirror. So you might want to consider seeing a physician if you struggle withconsistent depressed feelings, and shockingly, a medication might help you. To the Depressed Christian | Cru I'm tired of depression being seemingly close and God seeming painfully far. Still, spending a prolonged amount of time ruminating on what you consider your flaws and failings, or endlessly cycling through deeper fears you cant easily resolve, may just increase your distress. It's musicians produce awesome tunes, but no one is really worshiping. In other words, prayer and spiritual study may not relieve your distress on their own. The only reason why there are so many lost Christians is because they are not set free from captivity, and many are held in bondage by their church. Here's the latest from the crossroads of faith, media What the Bible really says about infant baptism. Many psalms reflect the raw emotions and honest cries of people experiencing deep sorrow and distress. Share your burdens, fears, and struggles with God honestly. These difficulties might include: Any of these challenges can also contribute to depression, but depression can also develop without a clear trigger or cause. Reaching out to the faithful. What if God doesnt come through for you? JavaScript is disabled. Further, depression could also be coming from a physical issue in you, from your flesh. PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. Reddit, Inc. 2023. Having someone whom you can phone, e-mail or text can be a valuable help. The Bible also features many other passages that address depression, such as these: The Psalms: TheBook of Psalms is a rich source of encouragement for those struggling with depression. I must wonder how many non-Christians are hurt by these "Christians", as I know I'm not alone in receiving their wrath. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. God can do anything He wants. The reason why you feel like you do is because of your lack of faith! The apostle Paul instructs us to be "bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). A prayer for you: Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me with my feelings. People scatter as soon as the sermon is over. I'm tired of the lies that seep into my mind and make their home there. But what it truly boils down to is if your church isnt treating you as Jesus would have treated you, its time to go. Hes not even a celebrity. Spiritual depression might also develop when you have less time for God and your usual religious activities, such as prayer, Bible study, or worship and other church participation. Struggling to move on from a past or present error could contribute to unshakeable feelings of guilt and other spiritual turmoil even after you seek forgiveness. So can alcoholism and several other things spoken against in the Bible. Although life contains ups and downs, learning how to keep the faith and remember God's love is a skill that can help you to push through the most challenging parts of life's challenges. Connect with a supportive community. Fortunately, I had to stop myself from continuing to write such horrendous statements as these. Paul told the Christians in Ephesus who they have become: And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). These things are not meant to be covered up with a Christian pep-rally or yelled at by an overbearing person at churchthey should be brought to Dad. Whitney Hopleris the author of theWake Up to Wonder book and theWake Up to Wonder blog, which help people thrive through experiencing awe. Privacy Policy. Does being depressed not make me a Christian? Break out and try to start somethinganything. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. We shouldnt be controlled by anything, this is why we need to listen to the Spirits guidance. 7 Things to NEVER Say to a Depressed Christian - ChurchLeaders forgetting God, or struggling to find time for spiritual study, focusing more on past mistakes than changes you might make to do better in the future, a general sense of unhappiness or melancholy, withdrawing from your church or religious community, losing interest in your regular church activities or performing them only from a sense of duty, feeling as if Bible study or other religious pursuits have lost their meaning, negative or pessimistic thinking about God or religion, a sense of spiritual hopelessness or discouragement, a sad or hopeless mood on more days than not, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, which might show up as, less interest in spending time with friends and loved ones, serious or chronic physical or mental health concerns, reminding yourself of your positive strengths, reaffirming your belief that God has a plan for you, listing several ways you work to live out your values and beliefs, exploring what youve learned from past mistakes and how theyve helped you, uncovering any possible links between spiritual beliefs and depression, Check therapist directories or try a quick internet search for Christian therapists or spiritual counseling.. I'm tired of being in bed because I lack the mental and physical capacity to get out. Galatians 3:28 proclaims the truth: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.. They are no longer people. Can Christians Be Depressed? | Desiring God But more important than any of that is God himself. When I am weighed down by my fears and worries, remind me of your power and grace. There are many types of depression. The Christian struggling with depression is already battling much ongoing shame most times self inflicted. What do we do when we come to an end of ourselves exhausted, depleted of resources to handle life's problems? Pray about your depression. Worse, do these leaders demand obedience because they are Gods anointed? God doesnt want to shame you. ), 6 Reasons Why Im So Excited to Be a Christian in 2023, Movieguide Warns Parents: 'Don't Take Your Daughter to See, A Prayer to Be Happy for Others - Your Daily Prayer - July 15, 10 Things You Should Know about Christian Meditation, 4 Changes to Make if You Struggle with People-Pleasing, A Sabbath Day Prayer for the Weary - Your Daily Prayer - July 16. This must be a sign that youre not saved!, Depressed?! Looking away from despair towards hope can feel risky. We overcome depression by "putting on" 7 steps: Firstly, Biblical thinking. Maybe a friend could contact you from time to time, just to let you know you are not alone. Jesus explains that it is His Spirit who now guides us, not religious laws, commandments, or rules: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26). Why? In particular, shes committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues. He was addressing a particular issue at a particular church. Beauty and Busyness. All Christians/believers are found at six different levels. But, the Bible doesn't seem to say that's true. Why so disturbed within me? "Just snap out of it, Angie.". He can fix any physical ailment, obviously. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Should your Bible not contain these BOOKS you can read these BOOKS on the Internet. Many people in the Bible experienced seasons of intense sadness, despair, and questioning. So if youre in a church environment that constantly makes you feel like the scum of the earth, leave that place. Thats completely understandable. Church should be a place of unity and fellowshipyou shouldnt have to fear cliques and gossip. Research links rumination, or repetitive dark, hopeless, or negative thoughts, to depression. This often boils down to how a church interprets the teachings of Paul, who wrote, in one of his letters, that women should never teach men, that they must, in fact, be silent. All rights reserved. Abuse can wear many masks, some of them quite pious or innocent, and when this abuse is mixed with theology, you may even begin to think that your mistreatment is a punishment from God, Himself. Depression can, in many instances, have a physical cause. It often comes from a place of self-importancethis or that person just doesnt meet the standards of the church community, and so they are discussed. I can't count how many times I have been at the end of a "Christians" sword left hurt. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast., Jesus compassion: Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesusshowing compassion for those who are suffering. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Christians suffer the pain of this life right along with non-Christians. As people become more aware of . The world’s answers did not work for them, because they did not do the work required of them to heal. Psalm 34:17-18 declares that God will help: The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. . I'm so done with strangers yelling at me for things that aren't my fault or not in my control. Readers will gain insight into the physical side of depression and spiritual darkness, what it means to wait on the Lord in a time of darkness, how unconfessed sin can clog our joy, and how to minister to others who are living without light. You shouldnt have to fear for your reputation. The third player, however, is the one we all need to be like. Hidden Brain: Does Going To Church Improve Your Mental Health? God commands us to love him as well, and I want to, but I don't know how to love or find joy in someone who would torture people, including my beloved family and friends, for eternity. Environments like this can wear you down over time, fostering depression. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can pray for you and encourage you. Are Christians supposed to be depressed? It spends most of its budget on things that look good rather than on outreach and missions. But one thing makes the church an especially insidious source of depression is that its nearly impossible to detect as a source of pain. You just gotta have more faith! Feelings ebb and flow, they come and go like a breeze. Speak to that spirit of depression! TAPIWA MAKORE MURDER: COURT HANDS DOWN SENTENCE - Facebook This may be easier said than done at first, but with God's help, it does begin to work. See what the. Its no wonder so many people want nothing to do with church, and why they cant stand Christians. This we know. Also, if youre having any suicidal thoughts or are struggling with any other mental health crisis, call or text the U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 anytime for free help right away from caring people who are qualified to help you. Dont worry, the Spirit of God in you will teach you who you are. A tendency to fixate on past mistakes and regrets can also show up with major depression, so its important to reach out when you have trouble navigating this distress. All the same, you can absolutely work to overcome spiritual depression even when you arent sure of the cause. Author Randy Alcorn is no foreigner to depression. Where can I flee from your presence? He ends with a powerful example from his pastoral ministry. If your place of worship has one of these harmful qualities, it might be time to move on. Scriptures such as Isaiah 11:6-9; Isaiah 35:1-10 and Revelation 21-22 may help here. At the cross, he dove headfirst into the darkness, so that we might have eternal, unfading, always-increasing hope and happiness. Seek these out, and youll find the joy youre looking for. Thirdly, Biblically speaking to God (a.k.a. Climbing out of depression can be likened to trying to climb out of a slippery pit. I re-dedicated my life to Christ at the age of 21 when I found my home church and a pastor who graciously understood the struggles of anxiety. Its a spiritual or emotional fog that stubbornly clouds our hope and happiness. Its part of being human. You are required to have faith, use your gifts and pray. Anxiety, depression, and the Christian life - D. L. Moody Center Friends, depression is real. Indeed, the Bible and its promises will help us to build faith. While theres no agreed-upon list of signs of spiritual depression, people experiencing spiritual depression often say they feel disconnected or cut off from God.