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Help For Depressed Christians

A querist asks, “What is a good approach to help one who is a Christian but feels as if they are going to hell in a handbasket?“

As Christians, we’ve all experienced periods of depression brought on by the everyday stresses of life. Even the apostle Paul experienced times of great stress in his Christian walk, brought about by various outside influences and situations (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-29). At times, His remembrance of how he had persecuted the church must have brought back depressing memories (1 Timothy 1:12-13; cf. Acts 8:3).

His “thorn in the flesh” dwelt heavily upon his heart (2 Corinthians 12:7-8). He went so far as to call himself the “chief” of sinners, but acknowledged the Lord’s mercy in his behalf (1 Timothy 1:15-16 KJV). Yes, Paul definitely experienced periods of stress and depression.

With the above thoughts in mind, the following are some biblical suggestions on how we as Christians can overcome periods of depression:

• As Christians, we should remind ourselves that God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). The giving of His Son demonstrates His immeasurable love for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:1-9; 1 John 4:7-11).

• We need to remember that in whatever stressful situation or period of depression we find ourselves, the Lord will walk “through” it with us (Psalm 23:4). We are never alone (Psalm 139:7-10). There is always “light” at the end of the tunnel (1 John 1:5).

• If there is any sin in our life, we should be willing to confess that sin (or sins) and ask God to forgive us (1 John 1:7-9). Our God will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7).

• Focus on the positive aspects of the Christian life, using the apostle Paul’s life as an example (Philippians 4:8-9; cf. Philippians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Timothy 1:15-16).

• Mentally cast all our cares and concerns upon God,for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7; cf. Psalm 55:22). He will handle those areas in our lives that we can’t handle on our own.

• Remember that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us — we can count on Him being there to help us during stressful times of trial or tribulation (Genesis 28:15; Joshua 1:5; 1 Kings 8:55-61; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

• Look to our future eternal inheritance with great joy (1 Peter 1:3-4), knowing that there will be no more stressful periods of depression in that abode (Revelation 7:13-17; Revelation 21:1-7).

By making daily application of the above biblical suggestions, along with related Scriptures, will not only lift a heavy mental and emotional burden from our shoulders, but will allow us to experience the “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7).