Can Christians be Depressed - Encouragement Café - September 14, 2015

 

Can Christians Be Depressed

Café Menu for Monday, September 14, 2015

Today’s Special is:  Hope from Our Helper

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Carolyn Dale Newell

Main Ingredient:

Why are you cast down, O my soul?  And whyare you disquieted within me?  Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him forthe help of His countenance.

Psalm 42:5 NKJV

Entrée:

Yes, Christians do suffer from depression.  I know because I am one who fights the battle.  The Psalms are filled with cries from a distressed heart.

Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low.

Psalm 142:6a NKJV

Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed.

Psalm 143:4 NKJV

Elijah became depressed when Queen Jezebel sought to kill him.  He cried out to God asking Him to take his life.  During this time, Elijah was hiding in caves (1 Kings 19:1-10).

Many Christians are misinformed about depression.  They think that Christians are immune to it, because they have the joy of the Lord.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Depression is not a sin.  It is a very real medical condition which is usually caused by a chemical imbalance.  It can also be brought on as a result of a traumatic event.  PMS, hormones and hormone replacement drugs can also be responsible for depression.  When I began using hormone replacements, I found myself crying uncontrollably for no reason.

Perhaps you understand that depression is real.  Now, what do you do?  Visit your doctor.  A regiment of anti-depressants are often necessary.  You are not any less a Jesus girl, nor a godly man, because you need medicine.  People take medicine for many medical conditions.  This is exactly what depression is – a medical condition.

Finally, there is hope with God.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comesin the morning.

Psalm 30:5b NKJV

Do not be ashamed to talk to your Father in heaven about your depression.  He will understand you better than anyone.

Remember, depression does not make you any less of a Christian… treated, it makes you a stronger one.

Take Out:

Do you know someone who is suffering with depression?  

Persuade them to get medical help.  

If they are a Christian, make sure they understand that there is no shame in being depressed.  If they don’t already know Jesus Christ, this is a wonderful time to tell them about the hope awaiting them in Christ.

Dessert:

Precious Father,

My prayer today is for all Your children suffering with depression.  Let them feel You near them today.  Comfort them.  Lead them to the right place for help.  Thank You, Amen.

© 2015 by Carolyn Dale Newell.  All rights reserved.

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