Is it wrong for a Christian to be depressed?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Generally, depression is a state of persistent sadness in which a person loses interest in and energy to do things they once enjoyed. People can be diagnosed with clinical depression as it becomes more serious and long-lasting. Depression can be caused by physical issues in the body, traumatic events, difficult life circumstances, guilt from sin, and lies from Satan. Depression tends to feed on itself both emotionally and biologically, making it difficult to escape. Depression is not a sin. Instead, God desires to comfort the depressed, regardless of what caused their depression. However, if a person surrenders to depression and allows it to control their actions, it can lead them to sin. When Christians are confronted with depression they first and foremost must bring it before God. This means being honest about the situation and letting God in. We let Him see our hearts, minister to our hurts, and forgive our sins. We seek Him out in His Word and through prayer. God is the true remedy for depression.

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FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Throughout the Bible we see examples of men and women of God suffering from sadness. Both Moses and Elijah performed great miracles in God's name and yet they both expressed a desire to die rather than continue living in their difficult circumstances (Numbers 11:15; 1 Kings 19:3–5).
• David, often referred to as a man after God's own heart, experienced great sadness during his lifetime. In the Psalms he expressed his anguish before God, "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?" (Psalm 56:8).
• King David is a powerful example of responding to deep sorrow and depression in a way that honors God. After his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah, David faced the devastating consequence of his son’s death. In his grief, David experienced intense emotions, wrestling with guilt over his sin and heartbreak over the loss of his child. While his son was still alive, David fasted and wept, pleading with God for his son’s life. But when the child died, David rose, washed himself, worshiped the Lord, and comforted Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16–25). Though it may seem surprising, David's actions reveal a powerful truth: even in times of profound sorrow, we are called to continue worshiping God and to live as He desires for us.
• Psalm 42:11 is a good prayer for times of depression: “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.” We can be honest with God about our despair and also remind ourselves of the truth of His character and faithfulness.
• God desires to comfort the depressed, regardless of the cause of it. Psalm 147:3 tells us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Sadness is not a sin. Jesus experienced great sadness, such as when His dear friend Lazarus had died (John 11:35) and the times He wept over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37–39; Luke 19:41–44).
• Part of the purpose of the church is to build one another up and comfort one another in difficult times (Hebrews 10:24–25; Romans 12:15; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Galatians 6:2). Often those who are depressed isolate themselves, but suffering in secret is not helpful.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Trusting in God and remaining engaged with godly community are fundamental in handling depression. God wants to heal our wounds. When we come to Him with our feelings and depression, we see His care as He comforts us and points us to the truth. God is the ultimate source of joy. Joy is not an emotion based on circumstance but is instead rooted in the presence of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. It is possible to be sad and to have joy. Christians are not intended to deny the difficult realities of living in a fallen and broken world, but we also confront those realities knowing the truth of God's ultimate victory and our hope and security in Christ. Jesus Himself said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

As for living in community, certainly, a depressed Christian does not have to share his story with everyone he meets or attend every social event, but staying connected to a few trusted and godly friends is important. It is also important to take good care of your physical health through things like proper nutrition and exercise.

Other forms of treatment for depression are helpful in the healing process. Things like meeting with a counselor or perhaps medication have proven to be useful in managing and overcoming depression. Alone, these things only put a bandage over the wound. With God, they become tools He uses to sustain us and heal us.

For some, depression may only last for a season. For others, though the intensity of the struggle will vary, it might be lifelong. Regardless of the situation, God is able to help us through. The important thing is that those who are dealing with depression fight back by leaning into God’s strength, choosing to trust Him, and seeking to live in the truth of His joy and hope.

UNDERSTAND

• Depression is not a sin; sadness is not a sin. How we handle our emotions can lead to sin.
• God calls us to come to Him with our feelings.
• God has given us Himself, community, and other wise counsel and resources to handle depression.

REFLECT

• What does it look like to trust God with your emotions?
• In times of depression, how do you differentiate between acknowledging your feelings and allowing them to define your identity?
• How can you respond to sadness in a way that honors God and keeps you connected to Him?

ENGAGE

• Depression is a controversial issue in some Christian circles. Some people claim it's a sin saying that a depressed person is not trusting in God's love and goodness or His promises of healing and freedom. Some even think depression is punishment from God. On the other side, some write depression off as purely a medical condition due to chemical imbalances in the body. Still, others fall somewhere in the middle, leaving depressed Christians in an awkward space of confusion, guilt, and isolation.
• How can we support fellow Christians who are struggling with depression, while also encouraging them to rely on God’s comfort and truth?
• In what ways can we balance spiritual, emotional, and physical treatments for depression, understanding that God uses various means to heal and sustain us?