What is God's purpose in depression?

However, God wants to help us live free from depression. He wants to fill us with His joy, hope and expectation of good things for our lives. An important part of battling depression is winning the war over our feelings. We will always have feelings…they will never go away.

What does God say in the Bible about depression?

Psalm 9:9. “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” The Good News: Depression can make you feel as though you're weighed down. But no matter how troubled you feel, this verse reminds you that the Lord is always there to support you.

What are God's promises on depression?

God will one day wipe away all your tears – and there will be no more sorrow or suffering. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

What is God's purpose for our suffering?

Suffering as a Tool of Sanctification

Suffering causes our focus to turn inward, to face those parts of ourselves we might otherwise ignore. God can use suffering then to develop us into better people: the people who can love and enjoy Him forever (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).

What is the root cause of depression in Bible?

Fear and a Lack of Faith

To fear is to not trust God. Hopelessness is at the root of depression; but so is fear. Fear also sends the emotions into a tailspin. From Genesis (15:1) to Revelation (2:10), God commands His children not to fear, but rather to trust and rest in Him.

God’s Work in Your Depression

Why is depression considered a sin?

Depression is associated with sin because people experiencing depression are seen to lack some of the spiritual fruits that are regarded as evidence of genuine Christian faith: When dealing with people in the church... some see mental illness as a weakness —a sign you don't have enough faith.

What person in the Bible was depressed?

Elijah, a prophet, Biblical hero, and person of faith, was seriously depressed.

Where is God when we suffer?

When we are suffering, God is right beside us. Nothing can separate us from His love. He wants to show us His love through His church, and give us a purpose through His Word!

How does God respond to our suffering?

But eventually, God brings vengeance for His people's suffering. God pronounces judgment upon these nations for their sins – including for the suffering inflicted on His people. The pain of His children angers God and brings Him to action.

Why do we suffer so much in life?

We evolved to suffer in certain circumstances (e.g., deprivation of food, water, air, warmth, social rejection, loss of loved ones). Our suffering motivates us to change our behavior, when possible, in ways that enhance our chances of survival.

Does believing in God help depression?

The researchers report that previous studies suggest that spiritual or religious beliefs may act as a buffer against several mental health conditions and behaviours, including depression and self-harming.

Is depression and anxiety a sin?

Anxiety and Depression are not Sin – and Here is Why! If you had an upbringing in the church, it is likely you have heard the message (intentionally said or not), “one only needs to pray ______ away”. While well intentioned, this can be harmful for both the individual's mental and spiritual health.

Who in the Bible had to deal with depression?

What did Jesus say to the depressed?

Matthew 11:28

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

What does God say when you feel hopeless?

One of the most famous is God's promise to the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:11, when God speaks into a season of hopelessness and reminds them: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

What Psalms are about depression?

Psalm 88 may be the saddest psalm in the Bible, but even in the saddest of psalms we can see hints of God's hope. In our moments of deepest despair, may we, too, cry out: “O LORD, God of my salvation.” Because he truly is the God of our salvation—even in the darkest night of our souls.

What was Jesus reaction to suffering?

In the face of human suffering, rather than asking why, Jesus swung into action and healed all kinds of sicknesses; he raised the dead and consoled the afflicted and comforted the broken-hearted; he forgave sinners, liberated those in the power of the devil, and welcomed the oppressed and rejected (Cf. Matthew 9:35).

How do we rejoice in our sufferings?

Second, you can rejoice in Christ, by recognizing that our suffering isn't in vain. That there is a purpose in our suffering. Through our difficult circumstances, God puts people in our lives with whom we can share the message of Jesus. Other believers may even be encouraged to do the same.

How do you deal with suffering in your life?

How will you show your faith in God when you are in pain and suffering?

Because God loves you, you can show your trust in Him by talking about all your feelings and circumstances with Him — the good and hard — through prayer. Don't let your emotions rule your life; bring them to God so He can help you address them. He is not disappointed or frustrated by your struggles, doubts or pain.

What does God say about troubled times?

The Bible tells us that even as we walk through hard times, God is with us (Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10). Hard times are never pleasant; however, God can teach us a lot through hard times. During hard times, we will face trials, temptations, and tribulations, yet the Lord never leaves us during these times.

What does the Bible say about hope in the midst of suffering?

“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5, ESV).

What does God say about depression and anxiety?

Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

How do Christians deal with depression?

Through prayer, social support from Christian fellowship, taking suffering as a gift and blessing from God in disguise, hope that leads to courage to live and expectation for the coming of a better world, forgiveness that leads to healing of trauma, letting go to overcome loss, and love to overcome learned helplessness ...

Is mental illness mentioned in the Bible?

Regarding mental health specifically, the Bible contains no one word for mental illness. This is in part because Old Testament writers chose a variety of biblical Hebrew words to express personhood.