{"id":1834,"date":"2024-07-22T20:04:03","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T20:04:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/?p=1834"},"modified":"2024-07-22T20:04:05","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T20:04:05","slug":"the-christian-and-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2024\/07\/22\/the-christian-and-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"The Christian and Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“I’m a Christian and I wrestle with depression, is something wrong with me?<\/em>” <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or someone you know resonates with this question, I encourage you to take five minutes and read on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is depression?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression is a complex and pervasive mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can range from a general feeling of sadness or temporary unhappiness to more complicated symptoms that significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Depression can occur at any age, but often manifests during late adolescence to mid-adulthood, and women are twice as likely to experience depression as men.1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a Christian suffers depression, they might experience guilt or shame thinking that the pain they are experiencing would not occur if they were just more spiritual or prayed more. However, even genuine Christians can get depressed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout history, many giants of the Christian faith have dealt with depression. The great Puritan pastor, Richard Baxter, the \u201cPrince of Preachers,\u201d Charles Spurgeon, the medical doctor and pastor, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and even the great literary scholar and Christian apologist, C.S. Lewis, all dealt with depression. We also have several examples in the Bible of people who battled seasons of depression and despondency that we will look at in a moment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clinical depression is more than just the occasional \u201cblues\u201d or melancholy moodiness. Major depressive disorder (MDD) or simply depression, is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities that were once enjoyed. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities, often disrupting work, school, and relationships. A person struggling with depression might also experience changes in appetite and weight, fatigue or loss of energy, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping), feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and even thoughts of death or suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do I feel depressed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The exact cause of depression is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.  A family history of depression can increase susceptibility. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine may contribute, although recent studies have called this conventional thinking into question, suggesting that antidepressants have greatly been overprescribed.2<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traumatic events such as loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or chronic stress can contribute to depression. Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or pessimism, can predispose individuals to depression. Finally, chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications can also trigger depressive episodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I always feel depressed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression is a treatable condition, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. If occasions of sadness and despondency persist, take practical steps to address the depression. First, engaging with supportive friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional assistance and reduce feelings of isolation. Isolating yourself will only reinforce thoughts of hopelessness and unhealthy introspection. Secondly, have a medical checkup and seek the counsel of a doctor to rule out any physical or hormonal issues. Thirdly, maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep and exercise. \u00a0Eat less sugar and don\u2019t drink too much coffee, especially at night. Finally, seek the help of a professional or biblical counselor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t neglect the spiritual source of healing\u2014God. Prayer and reading God\u2019s word can bring clarity and hope in life. The Bible tells us that the renewal of our minds is a spiritual essential (Romans 12:2). Learning from the saints of old who experienced depression in the Bible can bring encouragement to a believer by being reminded that others faced depression and overcame it by seeking God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Job suffered greatly and lost his children, his wealth, and his health. He felt abandoned and alone in his misery and grief and he poured out his heart to God (Job 30:16-20). But God had never abandoned him and eventually restored all that Job had lost and comforted him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elijah had seen God do an amazing thing by bringing fire out of heaven to consume a water-drenched sacrifice and altar to prove that he was the one true God. However, as soon as Elijah was threatened by the evil queen Jezebel, he ran for the hills and hid in a cave and became deeply depressed. So much so that he said that he didn\u2019t even want to live anymore (1 Kings 19:4). But the Lord came to Elijah, spoke truth to him, and led him out of his depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David was overcome with sorrow and cried out to the Lord saying, \u201cI am worn out\u00a0from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak\u00a0with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 6:6-7). But rather than running away from God out of disappointment or anger, he learned to turn to God in faith and trust. On a later occasion he said, \u201cWhy, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed\u00a0within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise\u00a0him, my Savior\u00a0and my God\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 42:5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humans are complex beings created in the image of God. Like God, we are created with intellect and emotions, both of which come into play in response to life\u2019s events, both happy and sad, peaceful and stressful, and test our faith and resolve. But a battle with depression does not have to be fought alone. There is hope to be found in God, his word, and his people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helpful Resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anderson, Neil, and Joanne Anderson. Overcoming Depression<\/em>. Regal Books, 2004.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minirth, Frank, and Paul Meier. Happiness Is a Choice: The Symptoms, Causes, and Cures of Depression<\/em>. Baker Books, 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Murray, David P. Christians Get Depressed Too.<\/em> Reformation Heritage Books, 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tan, Siang-Yang, and John Ortberg. Coping with Depression<\/em>. Baker Books, 2004.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

  1. https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/hide-and-seek\/201205\/the-7-reasons-why-depression-is-more-common-in-women<\/a> \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  2. https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/news\/2022\/jul\/no-evidence-depression-caused-low-serotonin-levels-finds-comprehensive-review<\/a> \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    “I’m a Christian and I wrestle with depression, is something wrong with me?” If you or someone you know resonates with this question, I encourage you to take five minutes and read on. What is depression? Depression is a complex and pervasive mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can range from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

    Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Empowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    B&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    All followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    She spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Empowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\" https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/hide-and-seek\/201205\/the-7-reasons-why-depression-is-more-common-in-women<\/a>\",\"id\":\"83b14981-22f2-471e-b398-4a59b1ee4e90\"},{\"content\":\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/news\/2022\/jul\/no-evidence-depression-caused-low-serotonin-levels-finds-comprehensive-review<\/a>\",\"id\":\"cf3ed293-1f47-41b3-9bf8-5de7cf90d81f\"}]"},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-care-counseling","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Christian and Depression<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\""I'm a Christian and I wrestle with depression, is something wrong with me?" 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