\u00a0 Christians struggle with all types of depression in the same way unbelievers do.\u00a0 It ‘s puzzling for some to understand this.\u00a0 One shouldn’t be depressed if they believe in Jesus.\u00a0 One should be able to “Cast their burdens upon the Lord”(Psalm 55:22) \u00a0We should all gain victory through prayer and supplication to God.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Have you heard this before? I have.\u00a0 I have known many preachers to opening claim that if\u00a0 you are in right standing with God, you CANNOT be depressed.\u00a0 Therefore, if you do show symptoms of clinical depression, there must be sin in your life, or you are lacking in faith, or your are demon oppressed.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I do have an Associates\u00a0Degree in Social Services and Counseling, but that in no way qualifies me to diagnose depression.\u00a0 But, I do know there are many causes that may result in the same depressive symptoms.\u00a0 Some depression can be caused by demonic influence, if that is the case you need deliverance.\u00a0 Some depression can be caused by extreme loss of family, friends, or even money.\u00a0 Counseling will help with this, as well as prayer. PTSD from a past trauma can be blamed for much of the depression Christians suffer.\u00a0 Here again, counseling and prayer may be all you need.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.\u00a0 This type tends to run in families and will need medication to restore the deficient chemicals to the brain. When this is determined to be the cause of a Christian’s depression, there is some controversy in regards to treatment.\u00a0 Many feel that Christians should’t need to take medication, but should be able to rely solely on prayer and counseling.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When a person is told they have diabetes, it ‘s because their body isn’t producing enough insulin.\u00a0 Insulin is a chemical that should naturally be sufficient in our bodies.\u00a0 Unfortunately, some people need to take medicine to control the sugar levels in their blood.\u00a0 I am diabetic and I take lots of pills and insulin to control my blood sugar.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I believe that same is true with depression.\u00a0 If your doctor confirms that it is a chemical imbalance that is causing your depression, then why not take medication to bring those chemicals back into balance?\u00a0 If this medication doesn’t help, then look for another cause.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Can God sovereignly heal all types of depression?\u00a0 Of course He can!\u00a0 He is God!\u00a0 Can prayer heal a chemical imbalance?\u00a0 Yes it can!\u00a0 But, sometimes God allows us to go the more difficult route to get to our destination.\u00a0 He doesn’t always remove the rock from our path.\u00a0 Sometimes we have to go around it, or climb over it, or break it into more manageable pieces.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 So, let’s not be judge and jury to those who suffer from depression.\u00a0 We need to help\u00a0 find the right solution for them.\u00a0 We need to encourage, not condemn.\u00a0 We should love and comfort instead of acting as if we have all the answers.\u00a0 After all, what would Jesus do?\u00a0 I\u00a0 believe He would love them unconditionally and encourage them to find the right solution for them.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u00a0 Christians struggle with all types of depression in the same way unbelievers do.\u00a0 It ‘s puzzling for some to understand this.\u00a0 One shouldn’t be depressed if they believe in Jesus.\u00a0 One should be able to “Cast their burdens upon the Lord”(Psalm 55:22) \u00a0We should all gain victory through prayer and supplication to God. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":420,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,14,27],"tags":[10,5,19,20],"class_list":["post-630","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-encouragement","category-inspiration","category-news-or-feature","tag-being-judgemental","tag-compassion","tag-faith","tag-strength"],"yoast_head":"\n