Can Christians suffer from depression ?

Depression is something that I just didn't really hear being talked about growing up in a Christian home. It was more of always trying to be happy, or fake it till you make it! Yeah, I know, not very helpful at all! Sitting in church Sunday after Sunday, and year after year just going through the motions of what a Christian is supposed to act like and look like was no longer cutting it! Let just say the appearance of happiness does not get you very far!


After years of digging into the bible for myself and purposely drawing close to Jesus for myself, I then began to really see who this amazing God we serve really is. Not only is Jesus our Savior, but He truly is our Prince of Peace!


The knowledge that He will and can work out everything for our good is our peace during difficult times of depression and hopelessness. Difficult times when it seems that the enemy has declared an all-out war on our minds! When the lies of satan creep into our thought lives and try to pull us into believing every lie that is contrary to the word of God. It is a battle that joyful I have found out through reading the bible, that God has already won for us all! There is HOPE!


Depression has many causing factors, it can be caused by a chemical imbalance in our bodies, lack of a healthy diet, taking on worries, suffering a loss, a spiritual attack from satan`s demons, and even living a life of sin. Let's look at a few of these causes and what God`s words say about depression in these scriptures.


Proverbs 12:25Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.


The bible tells us here that anxiety, worries, taking on the cares of this life can cause depression, but a Good word, which is God`s word, can make us glad. How do we get that good word? We do this by meditating on the word of God and his promises instead of focusing on the lies of the enemy. Lies that we are not good enough or the lies that things will never get better. We do this by also casting down every thought and imagination that exalts itself over the truth of the gospel! The truth that our hope and peace come from God.


Take a look at these verses...
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You Because he trusts in You.


Notice how God will keep us, in His perfect peace as we purposely keep our mind on Him,


Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In this verse here, we also see that every care, if we give it over to Jesus and trust that He will work it all out, He will give us His peace.

Hebrews 11:25
5 He chose to ·suffer [be mistreated/oppressed] with God’s people instead of enjoying ·sin for a short time [L the temporary/fleeting pleasures of sin].


In the above verse, we see a life of sin only gives temporary pleasure. However, a life with God can give us hope and peace.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

The above verse lets us know even in our brokenness, even in our loss that God is still close to us, embracing us tightly!

Depression is real and even though it has many causes, God is above them all! He is able to deliver you from depression, and help you walk through every trial! You're not alone! His word promises that He is very close to those who are broken. 

Today if your suffering from depression, know that I am praying for you!

I pray that the hopelessness that you feel, will be replaced with the hope that can only be found in Jesus! I pray that the cares that are binding you up, are loose with God,s peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray that the loss and brokenness you feel is your heart, that God will reveal himself to you and show you that He is right there walking you through this! I pray for healing for every chemical imbalance, healthy lifestyle changes, and renew relationships with Christ Jesus! In Jesus' name, I pray Amen!

Remember there is HOPE in Jesus!