The Depressed Christian sounds like such an oxymoron to my ears. Scripture teaches us to be joyful in hope and rejoice in our suffering. For those struggling with depression both of these can seem amazingly difficult at times. However, it’s really liberating to share this thought.
Depression forces me to become someone I’m not and don’t want to be: grey, irritable, flat, weepy, unproductive.
It makes me feel things I don’t want to feel: apathy, dispassionate, unmotivated.
However, it’s also taught me some things too: compassion, sympathy, empathy and grace.
Sometimes when we’re lost in our fog, however, we can forget that the trials of life can work for us. When you’re not feeling like yourself, all you really want is to feel well. Patience is difficult and an ongoing low mood and poor sleep can be incredibly draining. However, God can work all things for good to those who love Him— according to His plans and purpose.
We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.
Romans 8:28 The Voice
As someone who’s had a lot of experience with depression, and more recently the added bonus of anxiety, I feel that it’s so misunderstood. I’m still learning things about depression myself, such as how long it takes for antidepressants to aid healing. That alone is a very long process.
The video below is one of the best videos I’ve watched on depression. It made me teary as I could relate to so much of what was said. This Pastor described the struggle so well. In fact The day that I listened to it I was going through many of the things he described. I’m learning to show myself grace, but not everyone is there yet.
Whether you battle depression, or not, I would encourage you to watch the video below for a greater understanding of this illness and how the church should respond. Healing doesn’t always come miraculously. In fact God often takes us the long way for many seasons and many reasons. Learning to show one another grace through these long hard stretches goes a long way towards that healing journey.
Thanks for reading. God Bless.
Tina
“I live by faith and not by sight. Sometimes miracles take time.”
Lincoln Brewster – While I Wait
(Photo credit goes to darksouls1.)
Pippi's Poetry 
Dearest Tina, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. So spot on. I’d write more but right now it’s hard for me to see to type there are so many tears welling up. But, good ones. The ones that remind me He is here. He sees and knows. Blessings, sweet friend!❤
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Awe, I’m so glad there good tears Marisa. Yes, that’s right. He is the God who sees us. He will see us through too. Blessings back at ya. ❤ Take some love and hugs as well. ❤❤❤
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Hi Tina, Thanks for sharing the Pastor Mike’s video, it was very enlightening. May God’s love an mercy surround you and may His light shine upon you. You are loved! I am sending sunshine. love, and blessings!💖🌞🦋🌺
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Thank you so much Jeanne. ❤ Blessings back at ya. 🦋🌻🌼🌸❤
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Thank you for sharing this. I agree that there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding depression, especially in the church. I love that version of Romans 8:28 that you shared. I never heard it before. Sending prayers for you, my friend. ❤
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You’re so welcome Bridget. Thanks for the prayers. Returning the favor and sending some for you as well. ❤
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Thank you, my friend ❤️
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Dear daughter I understand how you feel having lived with depression/anxiety myself. Jesus understands you too and longs for you to share it all with him. I am proud of you for step by step dealing with depression and anxiety and for sharing about it. Love you 🙂
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Thanks so much dad. ❤ Love you too! 🙂
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Tina thank you for being so open. We need to make it ok to talk about mental health. It’s just not well understood by too many at present. The Pastor understands. He really does. ❤️
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Thanks so much Gary. We do need to talk about mental health. Yes, the Pastor sure does understand. It’s such a great video. You take care of yourself and stay out of the rain. 🙂❤
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Praying for healing over this!! I’ve struggled with depression/anxiety off and on throughout the years, I think I misunderstood the severity of it when I was younger plus I didn’t have a strong faith then. It’s easier for me to recognize when the anxiety comes on now and the best way for me to cope is by confiding in my husband and mama and drawing closer to God. I’m much quicker to jump the hurdle, so to speak, these days.
I’m thankful you are sharing about it and working on healing as well.
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Thanks Ali. Yes, I think a lot of people can misunderstand the severity of it. Until you really experience it, it’s so easy to gloss over it as if it’s nothing. I guess when we do experience something so difficult it teaches us that we really don’t have a clue what others are going through in their trials. It definitely is a good teacher to show others so much love, kindness and grace.
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Thanks for sharing Tina. I saved the video so I can watch it. I would like to learn more about depression. I hope you’re coming along ok. ❤️
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Thanks so much Dawn. It’s slow going. I hope I’m coming along ok too. Some days I’m hopeful and then other days it gets difficult again. The lord is keeping me above water though. That’s something to be thankful for. ❤
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You’re welcome Tina. I’m thankful you can sense that God is helping in spite of the challenges. I pray things continue to look up for you. I hope you have a peaceful weekend. 💕🌸
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Thank you for being so open about this! Wish you the best.
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Thanks so much Gavin. It’s not an easy topic to share. I would much rather share something fun and upbeat. But there’s a time for everything. I owe your blog a visit. I hope you’re keeping well. Thank you so much for being stellar as always.
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Great article! Unfortunately, a lot of Christians are depressed and don’t feel they can talk about it. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much! I so understand. It’s taken me a long time to be able to share anything about depression so I absolutely understand why others may feel they can’t share. Anxiety often comes along with it as well. That makes it even more difficult to open up.
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Thank you, Tina.
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Thank you, Tina.
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His grace is sufficient for us when we are in the depths. May His grace uplift you.
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Thank you so much Nisha. God Bless.
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God bless you and keep you. God wants us to be at peace and not fearful. A practical tip is to still yourself and take a lot of deep breaths. Sounds obvious but works 🙂
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Thank you so much Lana. Yes, deep breaths is sound advice. 🙂
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