When Your Faith Meets Depression

Knowing that you are loved can be a big struggle. Psychologists may refer to it as depression. Christians might say you simply do not have enough joy in Christ. Regardless of the diagnosis, the daily facts of life do not always change. Some days are great, others, not so much.

Nearly all of us will experience depression on some level at some point in our lives. That is the type of depression I speak to in this post. I like to prefer to these times in life as depressive moments. Whether a job rejection letter has us down, a loved one has been lost, or our romantic partners don't ignite much romance in us for the time being, feelings of inadequacy, of not feeling good enough, have a tendency to reign supreme at some of the more inopportune times. These are depressive moments, not to be confused with having actual, diagnosed depression.

In my moments of despondency, I work tirelessly to bring back to my remembrance the promises of God and the assurance of my salvation. It doesn't matter what an employer thinks, or that an ex doesn't believe I am good enough. I am good enough to God. So good, in fact, that he sent his only begotten son to die on a cross for me. Greater love has no one this.

I also understand that depression is a disease of the brain. For those who struggle with it on a long-term, medically diagnosed basis, it's important to treat it as such. If the doctor said you had bronchitis, would you simply lean on the promises of God? Probably not. You would take your medication and heed your physician's advice on how to cure it. The same thing applies for those with medical depression and those experiencing a particularly rough time in life. 

In all, battling depression is both practical and spiritual. Take your medication. Go to the gym. Be around loved ones. Speak positive things into your life and others. Do meaningful work, regardless of your W-2. Then, for assurance purposes, cling to the hopeful assurance that is Christ Jesus. He came to heal the sick, and that includes those who have diseases of the heart and brain. My prayer for today is that you leave this post encouraged.