Depression is a pervasive shadow that darkens the souls of those who don’t follow Jesus and those who do. One of my friends in Croatia was an up-and-coming rock ‘ n ‘ roll star many years ago. However, the fame and success had no power to slow down his growing depression from his meaningless existence. He eventually planned to end his life. Instead, he was introduced to Jesus and His love for him. Today, he’s one of the most joyful, energetic people you will ever meet.
Yet, what about those who follow Jesus but are still weighed down with depression? For some, the depression is fleeting as circumstances and/or relationships improve. For others, depression is an unwanted companion that affects every area of life. It’s not that these Christians don’t love Jesus. They do. Yet, that doesn’t seem to bring the relief they pray and hope for. In fact, many have attempted to stave off their depression with good things like reading the Bible, praying, praising God, or serving others. Yet they remain depressed.
Did you know that there are well-known godly people who have struggled with depression? Here are just a few: Elijah the Prophet, King David, the Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, William Cowper, writer of the hymn “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” Charles Spurgeon, and many pastors and Bible teachers today.
2 Corinthians 7:6 tells us that God comforts the depressed. So, what has He provided to help Christ-followers with depression? Here are a few of the important ones, but there may be others.
A change in a person’s circumstances. Improved relationships. Better overall health through nutrition, exercise, etc. Medication for an illness such as low thyroid. Medication to help the brain function better. (Most Christians believe that if they just trusted God more, they wouldn’t need medication to help their brain with depression. For a few, that may be true. Yet, for the many others, medication is God’s provision for them just as insulin is His provision for those with Type 1 diabetes.)
The final one that God has often used is grace-based counseling, the kind we offer at Grace Life International. This can help people experience healed hearts and restored relationships. When people understand the lies they believe about themselves and the truth of what God thinks about them, this can bring great freedom from depression. One of our own staff members struggled with terrible depression for years and years. Yet, Jesus used her counseling with us to heal her. As a result, she is so full of joy that she has been helping other depressed women for the last eleven years.
Whether you are a man or a woman who is depressed, we are here for you. If you are not depressed but know someone who is, let them know about us. Our contact info can be found at GraceLifeInternational.com.
