Christians are Christlike, they try to understand what the bible standards are, what God requires from them and then structure their principles and standards of life by it just like Jesus Christ did when he was on earth. Christians sacrifice their time and some of the temporary pleasures of this world to serve God well, and it is understandable to wonder why after such effort and sacrifice will God allow a Christian to suffer from depression, such a terrible illness? Some people have turned away from God as a result, and even some of the ones who are still Christians get ridiculed sometimes for claiming to serve God but still suffering from depression. It makes even the strongest in the faith sometimes wonder where is God? Why does he permit so much suffering on his children?
Being a Christian doesn't exempt one from the suffering and pain experienced in the world. The bible never said Christians will be exempted from suffering. In fact as Christians we should not be surprised when bad things happen because Jesus Christ who we try to imitate were persecuted, he suffered and went through pain for doing nothing wrong, talk more of we who are sinners. Moreover as readers of the bible we were already forewarned of the many bad things that will happen as 'signs of the last days' Luke 21:11. The suffering that befall a Christian or even a non Christian is not God's fault, rather they happen for one of three reasons.
As a direct consequence of a person's action.
The influence of Satan and his demons on the world.
Unforeseen occurrence
As a direct consequence of a person's action
Many of the sufferings that befall us humans is caused by us, by actions such as fighting during war that leads to death, crimes that lead to life in prison or sins passed upon children, polluting environments that leads to diseases and natural disaster, greed that lead to imprisonment and death, harmful health habits that can cause various defects and health conditions.
Christians who live their lives according to God's standard are protected from some of these self inflicted pain and Christians who don't are not immune to the consequences of what they do. Galatians 6:7 says: "Do not be misled: God is not to be mocked, for whatever a man is sowing he will also reap". Obeying God's guidelines protects Christians from many calamities, proverbs 1:30-33. But unfortunately not all calamities, Christians sometimes suffer misfortune as a result of other people's mistake, such as environmental pollution and even factors that are not within anyone's control such as hereditary factors.
The influence of Satan and his demons on the world
The bible discloses that much suffering is because of the influence of wicked spirits. the suffering for which so many people blame God does not come from him at all, Revelation 12:12.
Unforeseen Occurrence
Time and unforeseen occurrence also have a bearing to what happens to us. Something bad happening to you not because you were targeted by the devil, or any of your fault but because by chance you were at a place at the wrong time.
Can my Depression be Punishment from God over something I did?
Most of the people who violate godly standards do experience bad effects and sometimes it happens quickly. But does this mean they are being punished by God for the sin they committed? If that were true, what about Jesus Christ who never did wrong but was cruelly mistreated and put to death? And what about Job who lost his possessions and was afflicted with loathsome disease, was God punishing him too?
No. The bible helps us to understand that a time will come when people will be judged according to their deeds, but for now, prosperity should not be viewed as proof of God's blessing nor should adversity be considered proof of his disapproval. Proverbs 2:21,22
Should a true Christian suffer from Depression?
Depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. But your lifestyle choices, relationships and coping skills matters more than genetics. If this is the case, one would expect a Christian to have more hold on depression since he or she is living a life according to bible's standards which allows him or her to have a happy life, one free from life's unnecessary worries and gives them the strength beyond what is normal to cope with life's challenges. And a Christian knows better to face matters head on than to take it personal and let emotions control him or her. But we're imperfect humans, no matter how we try to live our lives according to bible's standards, and fight life's struggles without getting emotional, sometimes we fall short and give into our emotions, but that is okay. You just need to be able to pull yourself up each time you fall short.
Can my Faith in God help me overcome my Depression?
The answer is yes and no, which one will apply to you depends on how you regard faith. Do you simply have faith that God will somehow pull you through your depression without making effort to see that you overcome your depression? If that is the case then, no, your faith can't cure your depression.
But have you been diagnosed to have depression, and you've started taking the treatment you need to get better and making other extra effort and counting on God to bless your treatment and your efforts so that you can get better? Then yes, your faith will help you overcome depression.
The bible in James 2:17 clearly states: "Faith, if it does not have works is dead in itself."
To illustrate: A young man may court a young lady, telling her that he loves her. But if he never asks her to marry him, is he really demonstrating that his love is thorough? Likewise works or actions are a means of demonstrating the genuineness of our faith and our love.
Help for Christians suffering from depression
How to Avoid much Suffering
God does not just leave us by ourselves without a guide. He provided us with the very best counsel on living through the bible, which when applied fills our lives with meaning, results in a happy family life, brings us into close association with people who really love one another and safeguards us against practices that can bring us much needless physical suffering.
As a Christian learn to face your problems head on. Don't take it so personal that you become depressed. There are different ways different people are suffering today, if yours is depression, then quickly reach out to qualified people who can help and start dealing with it. Don't let it linger while you ask yourself why me. Asking the wrong questions doesn't help you, so get the help you need and pray to God to bless your treatment and your efforts to get well.
Draw strength from the many examples in the bible of Christians who faced many problems but were able to cope. Learn how they did it and apply it in your case.
Seek support from a mature Christian member, someone you can confide in and that can help you cope with your illness. A problem shared is half solved, and two good heads are better than one.
Should a Christian take antidepressant?
Of course, if your type of depression requires it. God has allowed mankind to learn about many medical tools that can greatly help people suffering from different health issues. It will be foolish not to avail one's self to them. Remember, you need to give God something to bless. A person who is sick and doesn't take the drug that is required to get well, is like a person who wakes up every morning and prays to God for a better life and then sits down all day doing nothing, even if that person prays for the next 50 years, without taking steps to create that better life, his situation will remain the same.
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