When we put our hands to the plow of our Christian lives, we cannot leave prayer behind. As much as you do not feel like being around people, its crucial to have someone who can just be with you and be a physical reminder that people love you. Copyright Like The Master Ministries. If you're 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. The Appian Way in Rome proved this so in the life of the Two gardens in the Bible, Eden and Gethsemane, provided the settings for two choices that brought opposite results. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. The human heart is impossible to satisfy with temporal conditions or earthly goods. Psalms 103:12(NASB). Its crucial to be able to recognize what is and is not true about depression. Its a Depression can be even more challenging for Christians because, unfortunately, there are misconceptions and stigmas associated with depression in many Christian communities. not just normal. involves struggling to speak the gospel to others. I remember meeting so many people at their funerals who were stunned and confused. 1 John 1:9-10(NASB). If were unable to see his providence as good, we will never be content, and without contentment, we will never fully know the joy he has for us. Observation number one is this: Romans 7 is a passage that grips us because we understand exactly what it is saying. has talked about previously in his letter, and describing these things as Learn how you can know God personally. She came to Him and asked, Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? The good news is that your relationship with God depends upon His unchanging faithfulness and not on your changeable emotions. While its true youll never be free from temptation or from the pull in your heart towards sin, you can experience victory. And yet, we can be Whether you are controlled by lust, or simply get caught up occasionally, it is important to recognize it as sin and allow the Lord to help you gain victory over lustful thoughts that lead to greater sin in your thought life and the way you treat others. 1 Peter 4:12. Romans 7:15(NASB). People often feel at a loss to know how they can support loved ones with depression. Sadly, some Christians can be very judgmental about mental illness, but that is not a biblical response. The Christians unhappiness, discontentment, and view of God are directly linked. He is not angered by your honest words. The faith that nourishes both obedience and assurance arises only from larger and clearer views of Christ. Mary Keith is a stay-at-home mom and writer currently residing in Alabama. February 18, 2021 Am I Really a Christian? Do you word translated struggle was originally used to describe close combat. I've seen what life is like without Him leading and with me trying to do it alone. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. They can testify about how God is working through whatever is happening in their lives. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. Freedom has a purpose: obedience. When I (Elizabeth) was at one of my really low points of depression, I remember a friend telling (not asking) me that she and another friend were going to come over and clean my apartment. We all have a story. Yet if we You can use your story to serve others who are in the midst of suffering. This cycle slowly destroys everything we encounter and touch, leaving us joyless and empty. He was despised and rejected by men, suffered and died for crimes he was innocent of, and soaked up the wrath of God for sins he never committed. Every morning, Christians across the country wake up discontent with life singleness, marriage, career, church, or community and wish they could trade it for a different one. This is something we all struggle with at times, some of us more often than others. Facing Depression as a Christian: Beware These Misconceptions, Helpful Things for Christians Walking Through Depression to Remember. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. My friends mother is a strong Christian who cares deeply for her son, but she bought into the myth that depression is not real. The danger is that we give up the struggle. If thats the case, it is really important to find at least a few key people who can walk through your depression with you. Yes, mental illness is often triggered by stressors or negative environmental factors, but that does not mean it is not real. I (Mary) did not usually trust God, make a gratitude list or even recite prayers and Scripture during my darkest moments. I will never abandon you. (Hebrews 13:5, NLT), I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from Gods love. Reality: You cannot always tell that someone is depressed from how they look or act. results. Notice the first words in Davids prayer were a plea for forgiveness. 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. But even if you can never do anything else for God again, He still loves you and would not leave you or forsake you. Their highest worship seems tainted with self-focus; their best obedience seems spoiled by strains of insincerity. So, why do you suppose Christian's struggle? We deserve Gods wrath, yet daily we receive new mercies. The ultimate friend we find in our pain is Jesus Himself. The proof a person is filled with the Spirit is that they will be sinning less (Romans 8:13-14). Yet its a struggle that we have confidence to engage in, because In the best of them there is such a mixture of self, hypocrisy, unbelief, vain-glory, that they are even ashamed and confounded with the remembrance of them (600). Just as the Christian life is a lifelong struggle, so evangelism is a lifelong struggle. Check out these words from Jeremiah, Elijah and David respectively: O LORD, You misled me, and I allowed myself to be misled. The problem is that being alone with your thoughts is probably the most dangerous thing you can do when youre really depressed. Gods plans are cosmic plans, and they involve cosmic powers, powers that are themselves caught up that great plan of God to sum up all things in Christ: things in heaven and things on earth, in him (Ephesians 1:10). But this gets the order exactly backward. 1 John 5:13 tells us that we can know we are Christians. Just as people with high blood pressure take medication to help their circulatory systems function better, you may need to seek out medication to help your brain function better. Sin burdens us, oppresses us, grieves us, not because we are worse than we were before, but because we finally feel sin for what it is: the thorns that crowned our Saviors head, the spear that pierced our Lord. Having a safe community while I was in process helped me keep going, even at my lowest points. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. But no matter what anyone says, having a relationship with God is not about what you can do for God. It was not because of his sins or his parents sins, Jesus answered. Again, depression is a serious illness. Prayers and prayer requests for others should be respectful, not thinly veiled opportunities for gossip or judgment. The Bible gives the reason for our struggles. Romans 7:14-15 (NASB), Wretched man that I am! A person is a Christian because they are trusting in Christ as the One Who died and rose to pay the penalty for their sin and has forgiven their sins. (603). "Why will you not lift me out of this pit?" He knew that some introspective believers, bruised with a sense of their indwelling sin, would respond, Yes, there is forgiveness with God, but I see so much darkness within myself is there forgiveness for me?. This is especially true when people are seeking treatment or have depression that is well controlled. 1. and its by faith that we stand firm in that salvation, because through faith This Bible verse comes from a chapter that warns against the temptation to stray from God into sin. It says God no longer holds us accountable for our sins. When we wait to focus our gaze on Christs promises until we are holy enough, we are like a man waiting to eat until he becomes strong, or waiting to sleep until he feels energized, or waiting to study until he grows wise. He is the Director of Communications at Reformed Theological Seminary and a finance coach and blogger through his site. You bear all the outward marks of a Christian: You read, pray, and gather with your church faithfully. . Phillip Holmes served as a content strategist at desiringGod.org. You may be in a season in your life when you need to focus on seeking healing from your mental illness and let some other commitments go. In Ephesians Chapter 4, Paul mentions that it's possible for us . Those two things are essential for her joy. Many people with depression are so skilled at hiding their condition that you would never know from the outside. What is confession? Christ has already given us. You can resist sin by remembering that God has the best for His children. With God there is forgiveness free forgiveness, abundant forgiveness, glad forgiveness, based on the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Reality: Depression is an illness, not a sin. We still need Gods grace to provide the strength for obedience. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. Our Savior knows what it means to suffer darkness. By now, she thought shed be in her prime, but shes found herself in a pit of misery. He shared that he had similar experiences. Even in Jesus day, people were eager to ascribe blame for illness and disability, but He challenged their assumptions. Depression also gave me eternal perspective. When it comes to assurance, then, what matters most is not sins persistence, but our resistance. Few men try to psychoanalyze the process, explaining masturbation away by realizing that they secretly have underlying issues relating to real. The only works that God accepts are those that have been washed in the blood of Jesus (Revelation 7:14). We can think its about flourishing Talking about someone elses personal issues when they have not given you permission is never a good idea. who shall deliver me from the body of this death? [Romans 7:24] is a better evidence of grace and holiness than God, I thank thee I am not as other men [Luke 18:11] (601). Read all the posts in this series or subscribe to the audio podcast, Paul describes God wants your relationship with Him to be authentic. In contrast, Jesus was gentle and kind with people who were struggling and even sinning but who were open to God changing their lives. the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Scott Hubbard is an editor for Desiring God, a pastor at. in it. These flaming arrows are the lies that work against the truth of the gospel, the temptations to do wrong instead of living rightly in line with the gospel, and the temptations to give up and feel that knowing and following Jesus isnt worth it. June 6, 1993 | Ray Pritchard I would like to begin with three observations about this famous text. If you are at the point where going anywhere or even just getting out of bed seems impossible, ask a trusted friend to come by and spend time with you. utterly depressed and unable to do anything, being alone with your thoughts is probably the most dangerous thing you can do, With the love and support from God and the people around you, you can get through this time. And so, in the stillness before sleep, in quiet moments of the day, and sometimes in the middle of worship itself, the shadow returns: Am I real or am I just deceiving myself? Depression plays tricks with your thoughts and emotions. In this series, I dont go into detail justifying every statement I make about the background and meaning of Ephesians. 6. (Jeremiah 31:3), Jesus loves us with the same love that the Father loves him. No matter what others may tell you, it is not shameful or a sign of weak faith to go to therapy or take prescription medication for a mental illness. SometimesChristians struggling with sin blow it big-time. Experiencing culture shock after traveling to a developing area can be difficult. People sometimes fear they are not a real Christian because they are sinning and the Holy Spirit is saying, Stop sinning! When this happens, it is common for a real Christian to be miserable and fear they are not saved. How can sickness, suffering, and other tragedies be considered mercy? God can give you the strength to seek the help you need. It can be a deep rest of the spirit where He breaks down our walls and melts away our stress, anger, anxiety, fear. There may be life-long consequences, but. She knew that I should not be isolating myself and that the chaos around me was not helping my mental health. . In the Bible, we see Jesus heal many people from physical illnesses, but Christians who understand the Bible well would not use that as proof that people with physical illness lack the faith to be healed or are being punished. We see this in Jesus interaction with two sisters named Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 (NLT): As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. Answer #3 - Christians Will Increasingly Become More Sensitive To Sin. If a friend or someone you know is hurting or feels hopeless, learn how to walk alongside them with compassion, gentleness and comforting truth. As with any illness, someone with depression should seek professional medical treatment. Depressed or not, your relationship with God is more important than doing or serving. As long as his leg has lost sensation, the man endures deep cuts and lancings, and feels them not. Yet as soon as his nerves awake, he feels the least cut, and may think the instruments sharper than they were before, when all the difference is, that he hath got a quickness of sense (Works of John Owen, 6:604). To leave a comment, just click here. God literally could not be closer to you in whatever you are experiencing. If we are new creations and have a new name ( 2 Cor 5:17 ), why do we still struggle with sin? Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Really hard. 5:7. But these are some helpful things to remember if you are a Christian walking through depression or if you know someone who is. I believe I've been saved, but I still struggle with sin daily. And when it comes to assurance in particular, we may never surpass the pastoral wisdom of those seventeenth-century soul physicians, the Puritans. Thats because Christians struggling with sin tend to believe these four lies. Numb. In a way, Owens entire book is his answer to that question. A lack of prayer may be the source of your failure not because you are not requesting freedom enough. The first reason a person may be struggling with sin is that maybe they never really became a Christian. Because chronic stress and trauma can cause physical and chemical changes in the body and brain, they can trigger or worsen depression. Its a struggle to live for the gospel. In a 2017 Lifeway Research survey, a majority (66%) of Americans ages 23-30 said they stopped attending church on a regular basis for at least a year after turning 18. Christians as those having wrapped your feet with the preparedness of the But I am going to keep trying, so that I may keep growing. Or we can become complacent, because our lives are May we suggest that if you are not sure you are a Christian, simply ask Jesus to forgive your sins, to take control of your life, and to give you victory over sins. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. Or he could be you or me. Psalms 51:1-11 (NASB). You remember Judas and Demas, men whose outward appearance deceived others and deceived themselves. She seemed to think it was something shameful. Why? Whatever fruit they bear seems covered with the mold of indwelling sin. His mercy reigns even in your brokenness. No one has all the answers. I was hesitant but reluctantly agreed. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? And Then confess them and then thank Him for forgiving you. Do you ever feel like the Christian life Owens final piece of counsel may feel counterintuitive to the unassured heart. Our reflexive action tends to follow the pattern we've nourished. But we can go even further. 2 Cor. Isaiah describes Gods King, the Messiah, being Christ Finding healing is not easy, and it takes time. He finally got professional help for his depression a few years ago and is now thriving. There are three reasons a person may fear they are not a Christian. Just as we couldnt save ourselveswe needed Gods grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)so we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. were close (Ephesians 2:17), Christ is now During times of depression, I really identify with the book of Ecclesiastes. P is for praying. military equipment for a spiritual struggle. Jeremiah 9:23-24. If you are able, go to places where you can receive support and encouragement, like a church small group or a family gathering. The fruit of living our life by the flesh always has consequences. the normal Christian life as a spiritual struggle (Ephesians 6:12). He pleads for forgiveness. John 16:8-9(NASB). I just could not go through the motions anymore. God never abandons His children. God gives the strength we need; he must work within us. 3:12; Ephesians God can handle your doubts, frustrations, failures and darkest moments because He is astoundingly gracious. The hyperlinks below will take you to sections of this page you might want to find right away. Anxiety: Why I Cant Give You Simple Help. We must look to Gods inerrant word to find comfort that he indeed loves us and does good toward us. 1 John 1:9 reveals that Christians still sin, but the proof a person is a Christian is that they repent and turn away from their sins. What is the meaning of the word repentance in the Bible? learn to be like him and so to be Welcome to the human race. It has the idea of to leave or to send away. The word was used in Egypt to refer to the draining of pools. Others may struggle to understand why. Which truth? stop struggling, we are no longer living for Christ and his purposes. The shell that her peers admire conceals her discontentment and joyless Christianity. ground in the territory Christ has already won for us, using the resources The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him." (1 John 3:1, NIV) In Christ, you are loved. Every godly impulse seems mixed with an ungodly one; every holy desire with something shameful. There are no good works that we must do to get there all our sins are already forgiven. "I'm not feeling well." Advertisement "It's not untrue and I don't have to explain myself. (Isaiah 41:13), Gods love is displayed and proven when he sent his Son to die for our sins. God will always do what is most loving. After all, didn't Jesus say, "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48)? Illness, whether it be physical or mental, is one of the many ways we see how broken our world truly is. Yet again, these words come from the prophet Whether you think you are having a serious conversation about a real issue or you are just sharing gossip, using specific examples from the life of a person you know is a breach of their trust. Depressive thoughts tend to spiral, and because depression overwhelms your emotions, its easy to believe the lies that your life is hopeless and no one cares about you. Many well-meaning people may actually give you bad advice because they dont understand depression. " On the surface, it would seem that people are not asking, seeking or knocking. toohaving heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and also theres something wrong! We attempt to replace and eliminate anything that we perceive is linked to our discontentment: However, the problem is not with singleness, marriage, job, church, or God. uncanny supernatural events. But we often think it. God gives the strength we need; he must work within us. In the next he will offer the solution that God provides. Likewise, a primary way to help keep comfort and contentment in our hearts is to make good interpretations of Gods dealings with us. LIE #1: As a Christian, I should live a perfect life. He knew the crisis they were about to go through. If you have placed your trust in Jesus, that same Spirit lives within you. Variation: Depression is an indication of unconfessed sin or weak faith, so people with depression are not fit for leadership. Reality: Depression is a real illness that impacts the brains ability to function as it should. Even if you are confident of Gods care in the midst of your suffering, it can still be difficult to navigate Christian community. This is, in fact, a large part of what Paul has been doing in his letter to the Ephesians. Why did he do that? Paul wants us to see that. C is for confess. Unless youve gone through depression, it is difficult to comprehend how terrible it is. created according to God in the righteousness and devotion that come from the Of course, Gods well done says less about the worth of our works than about the wonder of his mercy. It hurts too much. Christ, as Paul has said near the start of his letter: In Christ, you Jesus often called the Pharisees out for their hypocrisy. Chloes only hope of curing her discontentment and unhappiness is learning the art of contentment and embracing a biblical view of God. Of course, it helps when we have encouragement and training and strategies and support for evangelism. Perhaps for you, that question looms like a shadow in the back of the soul, threatening your dearest hopes and peace. The most sensitive Christians, Owen writes, often find their hearts weak, and all their duties worthless. I put my arm around this woman and prayed for the things I had needed just a few months before. vest of righteousness. Then sins warfare against you may be a sign that you are in Christs service. Your service for God is an expression of the change He has brought about in your life rather than a strategy for winning His favor. The guilt and the consequences of sin may have wounded us from time to time, but its evil we could hardly feel (if at all) no matter how often it thrust us through. But if we come to him right now and every morning hereafter, no matter how dead we feel, looking for welcome on the basis of his blood rather than our efforts, then we can hope, in time, to find faith flowering in fuller obedience and deeper assurance. The core struggle of the Christian life is a struggle of faith. Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. When youre depressed, the last thing you usually want to do is be around people. "Why will you not lift me out of this pit?" Do you think that's true? Rabbi, His disciples asked Him, why was this man born blind? God created a perfect world, but when evil entered, perfection was shattered and the world was never the same. It's hard to resist indulging in lust. Once again, these words remind us about Christ and what he Also, do CPR everyday! Do you grip your shield and swing your sword? Discontentment screams, You deserve better! and whispers, God is not giving you what you deserve. The former screams are blatantly false, but the latter whispers are profoundly true. Here is Davids prayer of confession. (Im pulling for the Rapture.). Even if you cannot serve in your normal roles at church or minister in any way, God still loves you. I hate being single, so I should settle., My spouse doesnt satisfy me, so I should get a new one., My job isnt fulfilling, so I should quit., My church isnt exciting, so I should leave., Life is full of misery, so I should end it., God doesnt make me happy, so I should reject him., God is the one who helps; therefore, we have nothing to fear. The first reason is that maybe they are not a Christian. . You cannot assume someone is okay based on external appearances. He seemed to be withholding it from me. I wish I had done those things. shield of faith. You can do the same. I needed God in a way I never had before. As we fight daily against discontentment, we must interpret everything that comes our way as a reason to rejoice. I (Elizabeth) have heard people say something along the lines of, But you do not look depressed. Im not sure what exactly people think depression should look like, but depression can look a lot of different ways. First Thessalonians 4:13 says, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep" that is, this brother-in-law who died "that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." . ( Contentment, Prosperity, and God's Glory, 1) Sick or healthy, single or married, rich or poor, fruitful or barren, hungry or stuffed regardless of the circumstance we can find a way to be discontent regardless of our plight in life. How long can a person sin and still be a Christian? Peter would later write: Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. It often includes panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ask God to help you. Such difficulties can make walking difficult. When we put our hands to the plow of our Christian lives, we cannot leave prayer behind. It touches on the mysterious relationship between God's sovereignty and human free will, and it involves a lot of other theological issues as well. . But we often think it. preached the gospel through the apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:8). But her present reality disappointed her expectations. There is no sinNO SINtoo great for Gods forgiveness. I (Elizabeth) remember that in one season of bad depression, my thoughts spiraled downward until they came to a point where I wondered, "What if I feel utterly depressed and unable to do anything every day for the rest of my life?" Because God loves us (John 3:16). Roads are often built for one reason, but God uses them in our lives for another altogether. Such faith cannot be forced into us by our efforts to be obedient; it arises only from larger and clearer views of Christ. Counter the lies running through your head with the truth in the Bible. I (Elizabeth) remember sharing about my depression with a friend. . I know that not all of our lives are sunshine and roses, and I want this content to be authentic and vulnerable. and preached the gospel: peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who Psalms 44:21(NASB). Trust Him to get you through this. Find resources for personal or group Bible study. Are You A Christian? Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom. 3:17). I am a Christian, but depression tempted me to distrust God. having believed in himwere sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians We hope the content we have created on this page will help you find hope and the help you need. Seek out people you feel safe with and who can support you without judgment. The world is broken, you're not a machine, and sometimes the spirit is willing but . She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lords feet listening to what He said. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. that belong to Jesus Christ first and foremost. The Greek word for forgiveness is a very special word. How come you enjoy dirty martin." If I admit my thoughts to someone, theyll think Im crazy. I began noticing that I felt exactly like it looked outside gray and miserable. My husbands coming home early. And were caught up in that struggle. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. Here, Paul is expanding on the full Reality: Depression usually needs to be treated with more than prayer. 1:13), Christ came This is your first and greatest step in overcoming your struggle. Do you feel that its hard, day after day, to keep going? But it can be especially painful when you are sharing someones struggles with mental illness. How do I repent of my sins? 1 likes, 0 comments - Cami Bobbitt (@camibobbitt) on Instagram: "I thought you were a Christian, so. They are sinners. Life could always be better. . Many Christians are used to having an emotional experience of their faith, such as feeling a spiritual high on a retreat or feeling close to God during a powerful time of worship. And He loves you so much. Hes been seeking to encourage the faith of his readers, to help them to lift their eyes and give them resources to fight that battle and help them to stand.
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