How Does a Christian Deal with Depression?

By - Interim Pastor Freddy Cortez, National Capital Bible Church

As believers in Christ, we understand that life isn’t always easy. We not only go through seasons of joy and prosperity, but also of hardship, sadness, and discouragement. Sometimes, these seasons can feel overwhelming and it’s all we can do to keep our heads above water. In times like these, it can be easy to feel like we’re alone and like no one else understands. But the truth of the matter is that we have a God who understands us intimately and who is always with us.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 34:18 that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God is a God of comfort and love, and we can find solace in the knowledge that He cares for us deeply. So, when we are experiencing discouragement or depression, how do we lean on God for support?

The first step is to not try to handle things on our own. We may be used to being self-sufficient, but when it comes to matters related to feelings or anxiety, we need God’s help. In Psalm 3:3, we read, “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” When we are feeling low, we can call out to God and ask Him to lift us up. He is our shield, our protection, and our provider.

Another important step in dealing with discouragement and depression is to surround ourselves with other believers. We were not designed to live life alone, and when we are going through a tough time, we need our brothers and sisters in Christ to come alongside us and offer support. This is where being connected to a local church becomes important. In Galatians 6:2, the Bible says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When we bear each other’s burdens, we become stronger together and can find comfort in each other’s company.

Finally, we need to remember that our ultimate hope is Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 6:19, we read, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Because of Jesus, we can have hope even in the midst of our darkest moments. We can trust that He will never leave us or forsake us, and we can know that He is our ultimate source of strength and peace.

In conclusion, dealing with discouragement and depression can be difficult, but we do not need to carry the burden alone. We have a God who loves us and is always with us. We have our fellow believers to come alongside us. And, we have the hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. When we lean into God and His support, we can stand firm, knowing that we will make it through even the toughest times.

This post was written by Interim Pastor Freddy Cortez of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!