Is it Normal to be Depressed and Unhappy in the Christian Walk?

Ing Bee · Mar 21, 2019

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your situation. I can tell that you have a lot going on in your mind, the tension between what you want and what you are experiencing.

DM25 said:
That was in 2017 when I first got saved, everything went well. But then in 2018 I started getting depressed and unhappy when I started to take my walk with God more serious. I feel like I'm not enjoying life as much as I once did.

I'd enjoy hearing from you what you mean by taking your "walk with God more serious". What was it that drew you to the good news in the first place? How did God draw you to himself? How would you articulate what the good news is and what you think is the core of the Christian experience? You might have some misconceptions that are inhibiting you from experiencing the contentment Paul talks about...from a prison cell! (Philippians 4) Can you describe how you "enjoyed life" before? Part of the transformation that the Holy Spirit works is to change our desires and perceptions.

A few other things to know about suffering, pain, and sorrow in the Christian life:

Jesus promised suffering and persecution for all of his followers, but he has overcome for us (John 16:33)
We live in a sin and death cursed world. As such we are in tension. (1 John 2:17)
We have an inner battle between our new self and our old self (Eph. 4:20-24)
Righteous people have always suffered (see David in the Psalms)
"Feelings" are not the focus of the New Testament writers, at least not as the top-most issue. Instead, the consistent focus is on personal trust in who Yahweh has revealed himself to be through the Son (Romans 5:8). Trust is not a feeling, it is an act of your will based on your perception of someone's trustworthiness. Jesus has done for us what no one else has, can or will.
Our minds are transformed when we start thinking God's way (Romans 12:2) which results in our will/desires changing to want the things God wants (self-giving, other-focused living=agape love). When we get what we want, we are happy. If we want what God wants and act to achieve that will, we will be content, like Paul in Phil. 4., regardless of our circumstances.
God delights in hearing our pain, anxieties and fear. He is a GOOD Father. (1 Peter 5:7, Phil. 4:6)
He always responds when we draw near to Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Jesus is our model for suffering well and remaining connected to the Father.

DM25 said:
For example, I used to enjoy making music but it was secular music and it was a way to release my creative energy. But then I realized after I was saved I should use my musical talents for the Lord, and what makes me sad is I'm not able to and I have a hard time making gospel music. It depresses me I can't make secular music anymore as that's what I'm good at (about life, love, relationships, and other secular topics).

Alright! A fellow musician. Everything is worth singing about. The only difference between a Christian songwriter and a songwriter who doesn't yet know the love of God in Christ is a transformed view of reality. Paul tells Timothy that everything God made is good and nothing is to be rejected when it is received as a good gift from a loving Father (1 Tim. 4:4). How does knowing the Father's love because Jesus gave himself gor you on the cross change your views on life, love, relationships, etc.?

I write all kinds of songs:

Silly songs
Songs about my wife
Story songs
Songs for my kids
Songs about writer's block
Songs about taking a walk with a friend
Scripture memory songs
Songs about a stage magician down on his luck
Songs about a boxer
Songs about how hard life is
Songs about migraines
Even the odd worship song

A small percentage of my songs explicitly mention gospel themes, but, in the words of Flannery O'Connor, EVERYTHING I write is "Christ-haunted".

Don't stress out about writing Christian songs, write songs out of your life in Christ as a human being.

DM25 said:
I should also note another struggle I face is anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, and I am on the autism spectrum. I deal with a lot, but I always thought having God in my life would make it easier to deal with but it just feels even more hard now for these things...

Sounds like you have a lot you are dealing with. The gospel is transformative, but God is patient and he is the one who completes the work he has begun in your life. (Phil. 1:6) Trusting him is not a one time thing, but a daily commitment, similar to a marriage or a job. Everyday you choose to engage.

DM25 said:
It just feels like ever since I became a Christian life got tougher, my struggles got more difficult to deal with, and I've become a lot less happy. Is this normal or is something wrong and if so what do I do, where do I go from here to get that happiness I had when I first got saved, the feeling of "the first love" back?

"First love" (e.g. in Revelation 2:4) is not about a "feeling " of love, like you might have in a romantic relationship. The word is "agapen", self-given-other-benefitting-action. Jesus was cautioning the Ephesian church that they were no longer acting out of deep care for one another. They had become self-centered and likely there were factions and in-fighting. "Treat each other as I have treated you", is the point, not a return to a loving mood.

He's got you, don't worry. He who did not spare his Son will not be stingy toward you.

derpytia · Mar 22, 2019

I say, if you're always happy and never sorrowful or sad in your Christian walk then you are either not doing it right or your time of sorrow has not come yet.

Rescued One · Mar 22, 2019

TribulationSigns said:
Depression is a sign of spiritual illness or affliction.

TribulationSigns said:
Depression is also full of anxiety.

Proverbs 12:25 KJV
[25] Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Christian can suffer from depression can find hope in BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS. You can find stories in the Bible where certain people experienced depression: Moses (Number 11:10-16), David (Psalm 51, Psalm 32:1-5), Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18), Job, Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11), and Psalmist (Psalm 73).

God encouraged us to "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. " (Psalm 50:51.).

Depression often caused people to be out of touch with people. God enourage that we find time or another find ourselves sucked into self-involvement, which keeps us from following in heavenly prescription given by the Great Physician, the medicine that many need above all else (Matthew 22:36-40).

There are many links where Christians often view depression as a distraction from God's fellowship and call. I, too, have suffered depression from a divorce that my wife left for her employer. I could not save the marriage, and I have noticed how it has caused me to backslidden, lack of motivation to take care of myself, etc. To me, Depression is both a mental and spiritual disorder. It caused imbalance. God knows that and understood what we all going through (He is in control and sometimes had us going through for a reason), but wanted us to come to Him and He will heal you --- over time as He did with David, Job, Paul, and many of our brethren in Christ.

Sadly, today, Depression becomes a huge problem in our society. Especially on our children/teenagers.

Blesses.

Those are great verses but I wouldn't call it a spiritual illness. Saying that implies a lack of faith.

Celticroots said:
Depression is not a sign of some spiritual affliction. It is an illness caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals.

If you are still feeling this way after two weeks please see a mental health professional.

I agree. And, we, as Christians are obligated to build each other up.

Joined2krist · Mar 22, 2019

Rejoice in the Lord always again I say Rejoice.

Delight in Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart

Brethren, it's up to us to enjoy our Christian life. How do we do it? By letting go and letting God reign in your life. It shouldn't be forced, it's you opening up and allowing God reign. God isn't stopping you from watching TV, you shouldn't watch inappropriate content and other things that will corrupt your mind, but you can watch wholesome programmes that you can learn from or simply entertain yourself with. You said you're not good at gospel music but you can write inspirational songs and anything wholesome. If you truly love God, you will enjoy serving and obeying Him

Josephus · Mar 22, 2019

The root cause of depression and sadness is a lack of emunah, or faith in G-d's sovereignty over everything. Faith that G-d rules the world, that nothing happens apart from Him, that everything happens for the very best, because he is a good G-d. This might help:

Start at 4:45. This is a direct link to the very words you probably need to hear.

Shalom

RDKirk · Mar 22, 2019

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Being a member of the Body of Christ doesn't mean casting off all yokes and burdents. Christ does have a yoke and burden for each of us--that burden is each other.

From a popular song of the 70s:

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where?
Who knows where?
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share?
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

RDKirk · Mar 22, 2019

timothyu said:
DM25 has two choices music wise. Write music that preaches to the choir or write God based messages to the masses in their own language about separating the ways of the Kingdom from those of the world of man. Without artistic expression no man will be happy.

Very true, and a very good point.

timothyu · Mar 22, 2019

RDKirk said:
Very true, and a very good point.

As you showed with your post above.

Celticroots · Mar 22, 2019

Josephus said:
The root cause of depression and sadness is a lack of emunah, or faith in G-d's sovereignty over everything. Faith that G-d rules the world, that nothing happens apart from Him, that everything happens for the very best, because he is a good G-d. This might help:

Start at 4:45. This is a direct link to the very words you probably need to hear.

Shalom

The root cause of depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Ignorance like this regarding mental illness is what discouraged people from seeking help.

Josephus · Mar 22, 2019

Celticroots said:
The root cause of depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Ignorance like this regarding mental illness is what discouraged people from seeking help.

All calamaties, as well as miracles, have natural causes and explanations, but the root is always spiritually linked. Not until the root is dealt with, is there a permanent fix. Until then, chemical solutions will only be a band-aid until the real root is dealt with. I've never met anyone who is praising and worshiping G-d with joy, as someone suffering depression at that very instant.

I guarantee that once any depressed persons starts to thank G-d for their situation, believe that what G-d does is for the very best, and starts praising G-d with joy, that not only will their depression be completely reversed, it will also immediately cause that person to start thinking clearer and start receiving or thinking about permanent solutions that will better their lives overall.

Of course there's always a band-aid. But if you want a permanent solution to life's troubles, start with praying and thanking G-d for them, and trusting that He has a way to make even the most terrible of situations turn out for the good.

Cclun · Mar 22, 2019

DM25 said:
Hi, I just want to know if there is something wrong with me spiritually and what I should do, or if this is a normal thing. I've been a Christian for two years now, but I have noticed the last year or so, I've forgotten what the feeling of happiness feels like and I've just been very depressed. When I first found Jesus, I was very happy and I've never been happier in my life... That was in 2017 when I first got saved, everything went well. But then in 2018 I started getting depressed and unhappy when I started to take my walk with God more serious. I feel like I'm not enjoying life as much as I once did. For example, I used to enjoy making music but it was secular music and it was a way to release my creative energy. But then I realized after I was saved I should use my musical talents for the Lord, and what makes me sad is I'm not able to and I have a hard time making gospel music. It depresses me I can't make secular music anymore as that's what I'm good at (about life, love, relationships, and other secular topics). I would love to write gospel songs that glorify Jesus but I am bad at it and have not ideas so now I can't even make music which I really love.

Next, I can't really do fun things anymore that I used to like. God has convicted me to stay away from certain things and people so no more going to the club and all that. I can't be interested in things that aren't of God like I liked watching different YouTube videos, movies, TV Shows, and I can't do that anymore either. Life just feels... boring and not as fulfilling. You can yell at me all you want for saying this but I'm speaking straight from the heart in how I feel and I'm honest with you. God should be enough, he is the most high, but why don't I feel that way? Why do I feel like something is missing and this constant emptiness and consistent feeling of depression and unhappiness?

Is this normal and healthy? Like the bible says to forsake your flesh and pick up your cross, so maybe you won't be as happy as you once was when you were of the world? Maybe this is the price we have to pay and a normal thing in order to get eternal life? Don't get me wrong, I would never want my old life back because God was absent and that's the worst. I just wish I had the old happiness back. I know scripture says we should have joy in God alone, and not focus on our feelings. But is this normal and common what I'm feeling or is something wrong? I should also note another struggle I face is anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, and I am on the autism spectrum. I deal with a lot, but I always thought having God in my life would make it easier to deal with but it just feels even more hard now for these things... It just feels like ever since I became a Christian life got tougher, my struggles got more difficult to deal with, and I've become a lot less happy. Is this normal or is something wrong and if so what do I do, where do I go from here to get that happiness I had when I first got saved, the feeling of "the first love" back? I was praying hard and I was obeying God as best I could but I still have that burden, I don't know if it's a healthy burden of picking up and carrying the cross or not.

Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint - It means It is your whole life, to run consistently. It is not about happiness but JOY. I guess It is pretty easy to get happiness and joy mixed up, but remember happiness are temporary and Joy is long lasting. You were happy when you first got saved, but that was temporary because of the instant excitement. But the longer term JOY can only come when you start developing a more intimate relationship with Christ - by praying, studying his word, and submitting to him and his will (not by your own effort). Paul says in Philippians 4:

"Not that I amspeaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be acontent. 12 Iknow how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, Ihave learned the secret of facing plenty and bhunger, abundance and cneed. 13 I can do allthings dthrough him who strengthens me."

I think being content of your current situation will eventually bring joy to your life. And eventually, you will find out how "freeing" It is! When you become a Christian you are FREED from the yoke of SLAVERY, even though the things of the world seems fun, they actually entrap you and you said It yourself that you do not want to go back, which is awesome.

Regarding music, you can still enjoy making music! There are plenty of room for making clean secular music that can still glorify him with your talent! I would not be legalistic about It and play nothing but gospel music. God does not call everyone to be a pastor or missionary, but call us to do our best in whatever job he has given us. IF your gift is music, use It! There may be people you can touch through music that would want to grow closer to Christ because they saw the JOY in your life!

Sketcher · Mar 22, 2019

DM25 said:
But then in 2018 I started getting depressed and unhappy when I started to take my walk with God more serious. I feel like I'm not enjoying life as much as I once did. For example, I used to enjoy making music but it was secular music and it was a way to release my creative energy. But then I realized after I was saved I should use my musical talents for the Lord, and what makes me sad is I'm not able to and I have a hard time making gospel music. It depresses me I can't make secular music anymore as that's what I'm good at (about life, love, relationships, and other secular topics). I would love to write gospel songs that glorify Jesus but I am bad at it and have not ideas so now I can't even make music which I really love.

Secular music isn't bad in and of itself. If it's clean secular, it's fine. I would advise allowing yourself to enjoy clean secular music again, and see if that gets your creative juices flowing.

Another thing you might try is just composing instrumentals, and don't worry about writing lyrics to them. Save that for another time, or collaborate with someone who is gifted to write Biblically accurate worship songs. Do this in absolutely any genre you want.

aiki · Mar 22, 2019

DM25 said:
Is this normal and healthy? Like the bible says to forsake your flesh and pick up your cross, so maybe you won't be as happy as you once was when you were of the world? Maybe this is the price we have to pay and a normal thing in order to get eternal life? Don't get me wrong, I would never want my old life back because God was absent and that's the worst. I just wish I had the old happiness back. I know scripture says we should have joy in God alone, and not focus on our feelings. But is this normal and common what I'm feeling or is something wrong?

Sadly, your experience is not uncommon among people professing to be Christians. Mainly this is so because of a misunderstanding about what God wants from His children. God intends that all the changes you are making to your life come out of your love for Him. Forsaking worldly pleasures, avoiding sinful temptations, reorienting your skills and gifts toward glorifying God, centering your life on your Maker - all these things are supposed to arise out of a love for your Heavenly Father and your Saviour. The First and Great Commandment isn't to give up all your secular music, or never watch YouTube again, or forsake all video games. No, the First and Great Commandment is to love God with all of your being (Matthew 22:36-38) Until you do love God, the life of self-denial to which He calls all of His children will seem just a burdensome, joy-sucking, boring labour. Only when you love God will giving up all the things that hinder and corrupt your fellowship with Him be a joy.

Many Christians resort to fear, or duty, or guilt, or pious pride as motives for walking with God. But God rejects all such motives for living the holy, Christ-centered life He has called them to live. Only love will do.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

1 John 4:16
16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

That you feel as you do about your Christian life reveals how little you actually love God. It is so easy to go through the motions, to appear on the outside to be "living right," and yet have a heart that is far from God. But the whole thing with God starts with knowing and loving Him.

How do you come to love God as you ought? There are three things that are required:

Knowledge of God and His love. (1 John 4:16-19; Ephesians 3:17-19)
Surrender to the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:14)
Time. (1 Peter 5:10)

RDKirk · Mar 22, 2019

The Philippian Prescription:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

By saying "whatever" and "anything" Paul expands beyond scripture to all arts, and tells us that if they are reflective of what is reflective of the goodness that is God's creation, then such things are worthy for a Christian to enjoy.

For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” -- Psalm 45

What was "Lilies?" It was a melody that evidently had stood by itself and was popular enough to expect musicians to know how to play it when the words of Psalm 45 were written.

It means you can also create such things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy if that is a gift that God has given you. I personally think such artistic talents are manifestations of the gift of exhortation, intended by the Lord to lift the hearts of the saints.

Mountainmanbob · Mar 22, 2019

DM25 said:
I have noticed the last year or so, I've forgotten what the feeling of happiness feels like and I've just been very depressed.

When I first found Jesus, I was very happy and I've never been happier in my life... That was in 2017 when I first got saved, everything went well. But then in 2018 I started getting depressed and unhappy when I started to take my walk with God more serious. I feel like I'm not enjoying life as much as I once did. For example, I used to enjoy making music but it was secular music and it was a way to release my creative energy. But then I realized after I was saved I should use my musical talents for the Lord, and what makes me sad is I'm not able to and I have a hard time making gospel music. It depresses me I can't make secular music anymore as that's what I'm good at (about life, love, relationships, and other secular topics). I would love to write gospel songs that glorify Jesus but I am bad at it and have not ideas so now I can't even make music which I really love.

Next, I can't really do fun things anymore that I used to like. God has convicted me to stay away from certain things and people so no more going to the club and all that. I can't be interested in things that aren't of God like I liked watching different YouTube videos, movies, TV Shows, and I can't do that anymore either. Life just feels... boring and not as fulfilling. You can yell at me all you want for saying this but I'm speaking straight from the heart in how I feel and I'm honest with you. God should be enough, he is the most high, but why don't I feel that way? Why do I feel like something is missing and this constant emptiness and consistent feeling of depression and unhappiness?

Is this normal and healthy? Like the bible says to forsake your flesh and pick up your cross, so maybe you won't be as happy as you once was when you were of the world? Maybe this is the price we have to pay and a normal thing in order to get eternal life? Don't get me wrong, I would never want my old life back because God was absent and that's the worst. I just wish I had the old happiness back. I know scripture says we should have joy in God alone, and not focus on our feelings. But is this normal and common what I'm feeling or is something wrong? I should also note another struggle I face is anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, and I am on the autism spectrum. I deal with a lot, but I always thought having God in my life would make it easier to deal with but it just feels even more hard now for these things... It just feels like ever since I became a Christian life got tougher, my struggles got more difficult to deal with, and I've become a lot less happy. Is this normal or is something wrong and if so what do I do, where do I go from here to get that happiness I had when I first got saved, the feeling of "the first love" back? I was praying hard and I was obeying God as best I could but I still have that burden, I don't know if it's a healthy burden of picking up and carrying the cross or not.

Many that I know fight that same battle at times. And as Christians we know we should not be anxious for nothing for Jesus said his yoke is light. And then he also said that we would have many troubles here?

As I get older I'm starting to think that it's just not going to be all that great until we get to heaven. Although grateful I have been blessed in many ways. But, still the battles come at times. The Bible tells us to put up the good fight and finish the good race.

Bottom line is we will get there if we have faith in Christ alone.

M-Bob

DM25 · Mar 23, 2019

aiki said:
That you feel as you do about your Christian life reveals how little you actually love God. It is so easy to go through the motions, to appear on the outside to be "living right," and yet have a heart that is far from God. But the whole thing with God starts with knowing and loving Him.

I'm gonna have to stop you right there... I do love God, a lot. And he knows that. What I am experiencing is NOT because I don't love him, I can tell you that right now. In fact if I had little love for God, I wouldn't even be on this website nor would I make a post like this. Those who don't love God don't worry about this and go do whatever they feel like. Job also complained about his life and wish he wasn't born, did he have little love for God? I'm not doing anything out of fear or obligation, I KNOW I am saved by grace through faith alone, not my works. Everything I do I would like to think is because I love him, and he is sanctifying me. All glory to JESUS not me for any sanctification, change in my life. and good works. Many Christians face seasons of depression, and carrying the cross shouldn't be a burden but it's not easy either... Look at the book of Job. I know the devil likes to attack people who try to get close to God. And plus you're forgetting chemicals in the brain can also play a role.

Anyways, I am feeling better now. Not great but I'm gonna fast tomorrow and hopefully that will help. Thank you everyone for your advice.

DM25 · Mar 23, 2019

Josephus said:
The root cause of depression and sadness is a lack of emunah, or faith in G-d's sovereignty over everything. Faith that G-d rules the world, that nothing happens apart from Him, that everything happens for the very best, because he is a good G-d. This might help:

Start at 4:45. This is a direct link to the very words you probably need to hear.

Shalom

Not always. It could be spiritual but we live in a fallen world so sometimes it could be physical too or the two go hand in hand. But lack of faith is not always the cause.

timothyu · Mar 23, 2019

There are days that feel good and days that feel bad, some feel ominous, some feel light and free. We take them as they come not knowing the reason but knowing tomorrow will bring another possibility.

Joined2krist · Mar 23, 2019

DM25 said:
I'm gonna have to stop you right there... I do love God, a lot. And he knows that. What I am experiencing is NOT because I don't love him, I can tell you that right now. In fact if I had little love for God, I wouldn't even be on this website nor would I make a post like this. Those who don't love God don't worry about this and go do whatever they feel like. Job also complained about his life and wish he wasn't born, did he have little love for God? I'm not doing anything out of fear or obligation, I KNOW I am saved by grace through faith alone, not my works. Everything I do I would like to think is because I love him, and he is sanctifying me. All glory to JESUS not me for any sanctification, change in my life. and good works. Many Christians face seasons of depression, and carrying the cross shouldn't be a burden but it's not easy either... Look at the book of Job. I know the devil likes to attack people who try to get close to God. And plus you're forgetting chemicals in the brain can also play a role.

Anyways, I am feeling better now. Not great but I'm gonna fast tomorrow and hopefully that will help. Thank you everyone for your advice.

Great to hear you're feeling better now. Brethren, you can't compare your situation with Job's. He lost all his kids, his wealth, everything and was also afflicted with sores on his body that made him smell awfully. He was a pitiable sight even his spouse told him to curse God and die instead of live but he said, "although He slay me yet will I still serve the Lord". Job's problem wasn't boredom, he was afflicted by the devil. I'm sure you're not experiencing what Job went through, if Job had to live through boredom alone I'm sure he would have done with wholeheartedly.

God bless you brethren.

aiki · Mar 23, 2019

DM25 said:
I'm gonna have to stop you right there... I do love God, a lot. And he knows that. What I am experiencing is NOT because I don't love him, I can tell you that right now.

You can lead a horse to water...

So, describe your love for God. What do you think it means to love Him, exactly?

DM25 said:
In fact if I had little love for God, I wouldn't even be on this website nor would I make a post like this. Those who don't love God don't worry about this and go do whatever they feel like.

As I already pointed out in my last post, people try to live the Christian life for reasons that have nothing to do with loving God. Being concerned about the things you've shared, then, by no means demonstrates that you really do love God. Fear, guilt, religious piety, obligation - these all may subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) usurp the place of love in walking with God.

DM25 said:
Job also complained about his life and wish he wasn't born, did he have little love for God?

Job had far, far greater cause to protest his condition than you do. And even still, his protests were remarkably restrained. Your quickness to complain suggests a significant difference between Job's walk with God and your own. And in any case, Job was roundly rebuked by God for his complaining and questioning of Him.

DM25 said:
I'm not doing anything out of fear or obligation, I KNOW I am saved by grace through faith alone, not my works.

Knowing on what basis you're saved is no guarantee against adopting wrong motives for walking with God.

DM25 said:
Many Christians face seasons of depression, and carrying the cross shouldn't be a burden but it's not easy either...

Many Christians suffer from depression because they don't know how to walk properly with their Maker. The fruit of the Spirit does not include depression. Loving Christ does not make one begrudging and miserable.

DM25 said:
. I know the devil likes to attack people who try to get close to God. And plus you're forgetting chemicals in the brain can also play a role.

The devil attacks us no more than God permits him to. And even when he does, he cannot cut off the believer from the comfort and joy that comes from knowing and loving
Christ.

Sometimes, injury and disease can affect the brain's chemistry, as can the thoughts and attitudes one harbors. I suspect that much of what causes depression among believers is the latter, not the former. The good news is that the brain is incredibly plastic and can be changed toward a positive chemistry just as it can toward a negative chemistry. Loving God has an enormous role to play in this regard.

Is it Normal to be Depressed and Unhappy in the Christian Walk?

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Alien, Pilgrim, and Sojourner

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