Depression has been around for thousands of years, and affects millions of people around the globe. Depression can be defined as anger turned inward, but it can also be manifested in apathy, lack of motivation, extreme sadness, and loss of hope. If you are feeling overwhelmed and overpowered by any of these emotions right now, please know that God cares about you and can help you. Even if you can’t see it now, or are having a hard time imagining your life will get better, there is hope. God can take what feels completely broken and hopeless and turn it into something beautiful. Even David, who was called a man after God’s own heart, wrestled with depression and went through times of perceived hopelessness. In Psalms 42:11, David cries out to God, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Many people that struggle with depression can have spiraling thoughts of negativity that express false accusations about themselves or their situation. God knows our condition, and urges us to listen to the truth, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8) God knows that we will struggle with depression in our life, and He urges us not to lose hope, and fix our thoughts on Him.
There are times in life when we feel like we don’t have the strength to go on, and that is where we completely surrender to God and ask Him to take over. Remember, our God “… heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3)
If you are feeling depressed today, know that you are not alone, and know that God loves you. Express yourself to God, and lean fully on him. Then, find a godly person or counselor you trust to share your situation with. Do not isolate yourself, as this will only amplify your depression. It will be difficult at first to reach out, but it is a great and necessary first step into recovery. Do not lose hope, because, in Him, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5
Next Steps:
If you have questions about depression or are feeling depressed, we want to walk with you. Here are some resources available to you. We encourage you to take the next step with one or more of the following resources:
Lay Counseling
List of Professional Counselors
Related Resources:
- How To Win Over Depression, by Tim LaHaye
- When Darkness Will Not Lift, by John Piper
- Happiness Is A Choice, by Barry Neil Kaufman
If you have experienced depression, and would like to talk to someone further