I've been asked lately by young people about my stand on Depression and Anxiety. Conditions that Christians sometimes don't want to deal with because they think experiencing these things are very "unchristian". Now, how can it be unchristian when Jesus talked about Anxiety and Depression in the Bible? The mere fact he mentioned it means as humans whether Christian or not we will experience Anxiety and Depression at some point in our lives.
So, what really are the causes of Depression and Anxiety?
I want to mention few reasons from the Word.
Let's read in Matthew 33:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?"
A common reason for anxiety is when our basic needs are not provided, we tend to worry and be anxious about it. That's why Jesus reminded us not to worry about those things.
Matthew 3:1-33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Worrying about the future also causes anxiety; Matthew 3:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Brokenheartedness can also cause depression and anxiety. When people get rejected, lose their loved ones, left by their partners or spouses. Imagine, these things are happening every day to people.
Psalm 34:17018 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Fear can also definitely cause the same.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
There are a lot more reasons why people get depressed and get anxiety attacks, but be reminded in all those verses above, the Lord also said these things: He will provide for us, He hears us, He will deliver us from troubles, He saves us, He is with us, He will strengthen us, He will help us, He will uphold us.
YES, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY ARE REAL, BUT WE DO HAVE A GOD THAT IS VERY REAL.
You know, depression is not new to me, because I experienced it myself when I was in Highschool. When you are depressed there is something very heavy in your heart that you cannot explain, There will also come to a point wherein you will think of suicidal thoughts and sometimes it doesn't just end with thoughts, depression can cause a life to be lost. And the thing that I will never forget from that experience is what one of my teachers told me: "TRY TALKING TO JESUS, JUST TALK TO HIM AND TELL HIM EVERYTHING." I did that, it didn't instantly take my depression away, it was a process and as I talk to Jesus every day, He helped me and lifted me out of that pit.
So please, if you are battling with depression and anxiety right now, COME TO JESUS.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
And as Christians, what should be our stand? Our stand should be to help people who are undergoing this, instead of condemning them and telling them "I think you don't read enough Bible" or "you are not serving God" or "you are not going to church" or "maybe you have hidden sins" or "Christians shouldn't be depressed" and so on. These words will not help them at all. They need to hear words that bring healing, you need to be understanding of them, keep them in your prayers, love on them, point them and remind them of the love of Jesus Christ because HE CARES.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on Him, because he cares for you.
No hate and condemnation, just the assurance that Jesus is here. He is ready to help.
Be a light to them so that through you, they can see Jesus and have hope, that this too shall pass.
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