Before I get started with today’s post, I will say that I wanted to touch on this topic because for several reasons. For one, it’s not discussed in general or by the Body of Christ as much as it should be. Two, we’re entering that time of the year (and human history, for that matter), that more people are susceptible to dealing with this. The issue that I want to touch on is depression and whether or not a Christian can be afflicted with it. I grew up in church and heard various responses of “Yes, a Christian can be oppressed, which will manifest as depression” or “No, a Christian can’t be a Christ follower and have depression”. I will preface I say that I’m a Christian, I’m a licensed mental health professional, and I’m someone who has had bouts of depression myself. So with that being said, I do believe a Christian can suffer from depression. All one has to do is look at the Bible greats: Job (the entire book), David (1 Samuel 30:4-6), Elijah (1 Kings 19:4-5), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:7-10, Paul (2 Corinthians 1:8-10), and of course Jesus Christ (Luke 22:41-44 and Matthew 26:38). This goes on to say that depression, which is a heaviness of spirit, is not something that is completely foreign in the Body of Christ. For those who have dealt with this, be encouraged that you aren’t alone and that there are people who have overcome this burden by “the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelations 12:11).
Before I get too far into today’s post, I will post a list of what depression is characterized as:
What Are Symptoms of Depression?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex (only in the premises of marriage)
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
I will say that I do believe that there can be a few causes/reasons for a person to have depression in their lives. One can be biological (lack of sleep, poor diet, GMO foods, tainted water, various medications, CERN, etc.) another is spiritual, (generational curses, you providing legal (knowingly or unknowingly) rights/avenue for Satan and his kingdom to have a foothold in your life, or an outright spiritual attack. Satan will use this tactic to wear you down and get you to a point of discouragement where you either get mad at God and walk away from Him altogether or you don’t fulfil your calling in the appointed time. Everyone’s story and situation is different, so what might be the cause for one, might not be the cause for another. However, it is the responsibility of each person to find out what was and probably continues to be their trigger points. If the Enemy knows our weaknesses, then it’s imperative that we study ourselves to learn our weaknesses to strengthen ourselves with as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-17:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
I’ve come to learn what some of my triggers are. Some I can avoid by not even placing myself in those situations and others I can’t avoid because it’s just outright unrealistic as I function in everyday life. Those are the times I have to decide that I don’t want to waste too much time and energy being in this state and I have to do what I can to stay spiritually fortified. For me that means praying, reading the Bible, especially scriptures on proclaiming God’s promises to His children. I will say that my degree of depression has never gotten me to the point of being medicated, although there were times I felt that was the only way I could get out of the mental and emotional fog I was in. I do believe that for some people that medication is something they might need to get them to the point where they are able to have a glimpse of clarity to even begin engaging in this mental and spiritual battle, because that’s what this is. I will also add that prayer and fasting is the way to deal with this. Isaiah 58:6 states, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” This is not something that is practiced in the Body of Christ nowadays as frequently as it should be. However, just because something is no longer done has it should, doesn’t make it correct. I will admit going without and crucifying the flesh can be daunting and frustrating. When you are able to take away your focus from earthly things and focus more on things above, the results are much more than anyone can anticipate. Just like anything else that requires discipline, the hardest part of doing this is getting started.
I will say this before I end, I do not believe that a person can lose their salvation just by being depressed, but I will caution everyone not to stay in that state for a prolong period. The reason being, the longer you stay in any situation, the harder it is to get out. Depression is no different. The sooner you confront the attacks, the better. The Holy Spirit has given us the tools to deal with it, it’s up to each one of us to pick up the tools and use it---prayer, reading and proclaiming the Word, fasting, and being vigilant about our thought life “Casting down imaginations (thoughts), and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.
This is something that the Body of Christ must learn to put into practice now, because we are in a time in human history, that according to Luke 21:26, “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Whatever our issues we are dealing and struggling with now are nothing compared to what is to come, whether it’s in 1 month, 1 year, 10 years, or 50 years from now. It’s coming sooner than most choose to accept. Better to have your soul (mind, will, and emotion) and spirit prepared now while there is time.
I was just looking at my files last night and came across this link that I can saved for myself. I tried to find this on the website but couldn’t, so I took a screenshot. Thought this would be a great tool/resource for those reading to have.
Until next time…
