Do Christians Struggle with Depression?

"I've almost thrown the towel in a time or two and walked away from everything I know.

I can't fill the emptiness inside of me or calm the troubled waters of my mind.

So if you're really out there and you're listening then prove to me that those who seek will find. If you can just see fit to show me some of who You are. If you can shed some light into this sinner's broken heart" Mark Lowry/GVB - Make It Real (Jennings/Sykes).

Well, of course we do. There are people out there that think since Christians are supposed to be perfect, they don't have any problems or struggles. Um....WRONG! :)

Christians are very imperfect people. This may seem incredulous to the average non-believer, but Christians still struggle with money, relationships, addictions, career choices, family struggles and much more. Christians, don't forget are also humans. :) The human condition, especially for those of us who live in this day and age, is wrought with all manner of problems.

Any one who claims to be a Christian and says they are fine and have it all together probably does not. There have been several times in my life where I was guilty of many things, all of which added up to self-protection, isolation, guilt and depression. I figured the answer was inside of myself somewhere. In a word, NOT! All of my human reason and efforts could not satisfy that insatiable need for something....for someone. I tried and I tried.

Dr Larry Crabb puts it best I think. He refers to the "fallen structure" that all of us humans have in our soul. This "structure" is rooted in the belief that God is not nearly as good as His Word says he is. Therefore, if we don't think God is good, that must mean he is untrustworthy, right? So then, we go through life trying desperately to insulate ourselves from pain, rejection, humiliation and isolation - with all manner of drugs, money, materials, wealth, fame, prestige, pride etc. We have substituted finding God for finding a solution to our problems. Did that rock your world? It sure does mine. I really am coming to find that God just wants us to have a relationship with him and to trust His love for what it is, not to have nice stuff, nice houses, nice jobs. Sure that stuff is OK, but we can't take it with us when we die can we? :)

One of my favorite Bible verses is John 16:33: "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world". Trouble in this life is guaranteed: you're born, you die, and you pay taxes. One out of one person will die: think about that ratio.

So then is there a magic pill, that will bring everything together and we all live happily ever after? Chalk up another "no". :) God is not a cure-all for depression, any more than aspirin can cure a cold. Lets face it we live in a world that has:

-wars

-violent weather

-an ever-changing economy (gas prices, inflation, etc)

-political unrest

-educational crises

-moral issues

-character questions

-apathy

-greed

-ambivalence

-morality

-unstable family lives and relationships

Those are certainly enough issues to get depressed over. Being a Christian doesn't make it any easier at all. Depression is at an all-time high. More people are seeking ways to alleviate stress and anxiety. People sleeping less, and working more, and not getting any happier

Here are some things to consider:.

1. Prayer - this is vastly underrated and undervalued by Christians I think. Talking to God (and LISTENING) is such a powerful way to find Him and develop a relationship with him.
2. Be honest - with God, yourself, your family, etc.
3. Try to not be so hard on yourself. You're not perfect, and you will never be. :) And that's OK.
4. Stop and smell the roses.
5. Volunteer yourself at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or nursing home. This will radically change your heart.
6. Show love to people. Christ came to "not to be served, but to serve".
7. Take a personal inventory - are there things in your life that you need to "die to"? How about pride, greed, hate, selfish anger? We all have them.
8. Pray for a love of people. Trust me - this one will change you radically for the better.
9. Smile more - God loves you. (and it's not just a bumper sticker)!
10. This life is NOT about you - regardless of what American culture tells you. :) Ignore the advertising. You don't need more "stuff" and you won't find happiness by "obeying your thirst". Finding God is better, and ultimately more satisfying.

Don't just take my word for it, I'm not a professional. Take it from someone who's slipped and fell hundreds of times and chosen to get back up and try it again.

If you would consider this....even if you are not a Christian...I've been praying for you. Perhaps get yourself a Bible. Open your heart and just start reading. If you have a willing heart, I know that God will speak to you.

Check out this link:

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-acb/acb-f001.html

God bless...someone's praying for you right now because they love you.

Finding God - Larry Crabb