Is depression messing with your faith?
Have years of depression caused you to believe God no longer has a purpose for you? Are you convinced your dreams of success will never come true? Do you fear you’ll never have healthy relationships again?
I’ve been there. So depressed I couldn’t possibly envision God using me as a newspaper columnist. So disappointed in myself I stopped believing I could accomplish any of the goals I had set for myself. So needy most of my friends found it hard to hang out with me. Life became more and more overwhelming. Despite my years of emotional turmoil and suicide attempts, however, God never gave up on me – hopelessly depressed, loser me.
God will never give up on you, either.
As I write this, I’m asking God to give me words to encourage you. Words that will get you past this fearful, uncertain, hopeless moment. I want to assure you, on the basis of Philippians 1:6 (AMPC) that you have a powerfully compassionate Father Who will never stop working in you:
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
God knows you. He knows your strengths, and He knows your weaknesses. At this very moment, while you’re wondering if there’s a reason to live, God is working in you. He wants you to experience success (spiritual and otherwise).To enjoy healthy relationships. To laugh again.
Right now, this may seem more like a faraway dream than a real possibility. It seemed that way to me, too. I prayed and prayed for stability, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took years. In time, however, as I got counseling and continued to cling to God’s Word, I experienced small steps of victory. Eventually, I was free from depression and suicidal thoughts. (I’ve written several articles about this on my blog.)
God wants to give you stability by giving you purpose and significance. Spend time with Him. Read His Word as often as you can. And every time your mind begins to race with despairing thoughts, remind yourself that God will never stop until He brings His work to full completion … in you.
What about you?
You can use a pseudonym (fake name) when commenting.
- How does depression mess with your faith?
- How can we pray for you?
- You may also want to read last week’s post, “Are you a Christian who thinks about suicide?”
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Alienation from all four of my adult children can be very depressing. However, God’s Word is truly my firm foundation. I am blessed with a loving and supportive second wife (going almost 20 years.) My church community and friends are gifts from above. I know God is still working in me for His good reason. It seems like you and I have a lot in common, Sheryl! One of my favorite verses is Ecclesiastes 3:11 New International Version (NIV). 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Hello, FellowBeliever! I love that verse, too!! Praise God for all He continues to do in each of us.
Thanks for stopping by – and taking the time to leave a comment!!
That must be very painful for you. I hope your children come around. It sounds like you have a good support system at least.
You are such a compassionate person, Barbara. Yes, it is painful but the hardest part is to stop dwelling on it. Sheryl says it best: every time your mind begins to race with despairing thoughts, remind yourself that God will never stop until He brings His work to full completion … in you.
Your articles on suicide and depression were spirit filled and so precious. Thank you for your honesty and being so transparent. Love you sister in Christ !!!!!
Thank YOU, Jaqulin, for your kind words!
I love it when you drop by Today Can Be Different.net!!
I love you posts!
And I love you for saying such a nice thing, Barbara! 😉
Thank you. Your consistent visits to (and comments on) Today Can Be Different.net means a lot to me.
Barbara, I want to thank you for reaching out to FellowBeliever. He was right to say you are a compassionate person. I know that to be true, personally.
FellowBeliever, we’ve been in touch before regarding an earlier post. I continue to thank God for giving you His grace to persevere AND for blessing you with a supportive spouse!
I appreciate both of you, Barbara and FellowBeliever, for being part of Today Can Be Different.net. This blog grows when people join in the discussion – and pray and support one another. I’m blessed to have you.
Thank you Fellow Believer and Sheryl. God is teaching me love and compassion. I still have a long way to go. I am encouraged also by the scripture Sheryl gave you which you are holding onto for comfort. “God will never stop till he brings his work to completion.” But in the mean time We continue to pray and lift up one another as Jesus did. My prayers are with you.