Depressed Christian

[Lik3]

I am depressed. Either James or 1 Corinthians say that we are to joy in our trials and tribulation. How does one take joy in trials and tribulations? How can we count it in all joy during dark times?

 

[Sketcher]

I've been there.

When James said to consider it all joy when we are met by various trials, and when Paul gave a similar command in Philippians, they must not be looked upon as happy pills, or as whips. Rather, they point to the truth that God is greater than our circumstances, and can/will use them for either our good (James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28), or the good of at least one of his other children (Romans 8:28). When we see that through the lens of faith, we can rejoice. Since it is the truth, we should know it and embrace it, for it is good news. When we do that, we rejoice.

During my last bout of mild depression, I found it hard to rejoice. But what kept me going was counting the blessings I did have, all things considered. If you can't rejoice, do that. Then maybe you'll be able to rejoice.

 

[Purge187]

The last part of Sketcher's post has much truth to it.

If you read the book of Job, he was hardly doing cartwheels as life was spiraling out of control. But he remained faithful and didn't blame his circumstances on God and he was eventually blessed greatly for his faith. As John Hagee often says: "How you react in the problem dictates how long you stay in the problem."

 

[brittany111]

Sketcher and Purge have given some good advice. Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite scriptures. One that I learned a deeper meaning in first hand. The Lord may not cause the adverse circumstances in our lives, but He certainly will use them to bring good in and for us. When I read that verse again (I read it often) I realized it says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I realized that He will use everything (good and bad) in my life in order that His purposes will be fulfilled. That brings to mind another reason to rejoice: God has a purpose for me and that purpose will be fulfilled! That brings me to antoher verse that is a favorite of mine (one I have also read many times) and that is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." One last verse that is a great encouragement to me is Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Be assured that even in your suffering God is working in you to fulfill His purposes for your life. Even when you can't seem Him working rest assured He is and will complete the work He has began. In that promise is reason to rejoice

 

[Faith.Man]

I am depressed. Either James or 1 Corinthians say that we are to joy in our trials and tribulation. How does one take joy in trials and tribulations? How can we count it in all joy during dark times?

What has helped me is knowing that God's in control, that I do not have to face the trial alone. In fact, I can put it in God's hands confident that God will not abandon me, He will see me through. I've been laid-off four times, I've been disinherited by my own family because of my Protestant beliefs, and my wife and I lost two babies during pregnancy, on and on. But you know what, I wouldn't change a thing. It's all part of God's plan for my life.

 

[D2wing]

I too suffer from depression, turns out I have PTSD from military service. And I was ashamed of myself. We wrestle against principalities and powers. We have to take control of thoughts we allow to run in our minds. The devil constantly runs us down, points out our problems and sins and gives us doubt. We have to say no to the bad thoughts. We resist by prayer and quoting scripture and spending time with Jesus and in his word. The work of The Lord is to believe on him who is sent to us. I focus on Jesus Loves me. I know it is very hard. Please know that many of us love you personally because you are our brother oh or sister. God cares for you like you would a puppy or baby. I pray that you might feel a little love.

 

[SmallNation]

I am depressed. Either James or 1 Corinthians say that we are to joy in our trials and tribulation. How does one take joy in trials and tribulations? How can we count it in all joy during dark times?

With fellowship. You're not in this alone.

 

[miamited]

Hi Lik,

What is the basis of your depression? Not enough money to pay the bills. Don't seem to have any friends?

Take some time and sit quietly and ask yourself, what exactly am I depressed about. Depression is always a matter of concentrating on some real or percieved impending trouble. What is your trouble. Let us know and we'll lift it up to the Father that He provide for that specific need as you should also.

Oh, sorry. I didn't realize that this thread was as old as it is so hopefully you have overcome by now. If not keep in touch.

God bless you.
IN Christ, Ted

 

[Maryland Girl]

I won't go into the details, but I definitely struggle with this as well. Two things are really really helping me, so I will pass them on to you. 1. Read the bible everyday. 2. Read The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

I know that sounds cliche, but I'm noticing change in how I feel, so maybe it will help you as well.

 

[graciesings]

I have had depression problems too. What helps me the most is to remember that God loves us a lot. I also like to imagine how long "eternity" is. Because I'll be upset about stuff on earth for another 50? years, but I'll be in Heaven for "eternity."

 

[Alittlelamb]

God never gives us more than what we can handle. Whatever you are going through is meant to bring you closer to God, make you stronger, make you wiser, make you repent, etc.

The reason you should be happy is because God knows you can handle it. And this is your chance to show how faithful and far along in your journey you are. Those who are meant to do great things, must suffer greatly.

Remember Lord Jesus Christ said the first will be last and the last will be first. Humble yourself, get on your knees to pray, and store your grease in heaven!

 

[Wolftone]

I read the story of St Francis of Assisi and it brought things into focus...

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

I have a severe depressive illness. I've been fighting it since about age 6. I don't know how much of it is brain chemistry and how much comes from an extremely abusive childhood. A case can be made either way, but one of the more compelling facts pointing to brain chemistry is that a cousin of mine has it too, and she was decidedly not abused.

Our mothers are sisters. I was 14 when this cousin was born, and my aunt had most certainly learned from the mistakes she saw my mother making with my siblings and me. There was none of that in her house. My cousin wasn't constantly uprooted and moved from school to school just because her parents couldn't afford to pay the rent. In fact, her father saw to it that their income and household remained stable. Her parents didn't get divorced, and her mother didn't remarry a whole string of abusive men, one after the other. Nobody got drunk. Nobody swore at her, beat her, or called her stupid. Nobody molested her.

Yet she has the same illness I have, and takes the same medication I take. When she was first diagnosed, it baffled her. "How can *I* have mental illness like you have? I had a great childhood and great parents. Those things that happened to you didn't happen to me!"

But mental illness doesn't care.

I said all that to say, depression is not a sin. Many people confuse it with sadness or ingratitude, but that's not the case at all. When my brain isn't working right (and today it isn't) I can still love the Lord. I can still be glad God sent His Son to die for my sin. I can still count my blessings and acknowledge what He has given me. It's going to be more difficult, kind of like running through a pool filled ankle-deep with molasses, but it can be done. God knows I hurt, and He understands when I don't bubble over with enthusiasm the way other Christians may do.

 

[Purge187]

Wow, LBF, what a tremendous testimony. I'm so sorry that you came from such a hellish background, but as you said, God is everyone's best chance at putting together the fractured pieces of our lives. I pray for great things to come your way--you deserve them.