Why Are So Many Christians Suffering From Doubt and Depression?

Why is it that so many believers are struggling with depression and living with doubts when we have every reason to rejoice?

Depression

Our emotions can change from day to day, but God never changes (Heb 13:8, Malachi 3:6)

Why is it that so many believers are struggling with depression and living with doubts when we have every reason to rejoice. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression can affect how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Sometimes depression has a physical cause and not an emotional cause. We know that brain chemical imbalances can cause severe depression, so it can be treatable in many cases. If so, we strongly suggest you seek medical help. And then there are other times when depression can be caused by emotional upheavals, but for Christians, it is very important to realize that our emotions cannot change the state of our salvation or God’s promises (John 3:16). We might have doubts and fears, but God’s Word is certain and sure. We can depend upon God’s unchanging nature more than our feelings. Our emotions can change from day to day, but God never changes (Heb 13:8, Malachi 3:6). His Word gives a believer so much hope and has such power to encourage us, it’s like our Lord said to all who are overburdened. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).

Doubt

Doubt and depression seems to come as a pair. When we are depressed, we have all sorts of doubts, and when we doubt, it can send us into depression. These two can create a vicious cycle that is almost impossible to break, but we know that what is impossible for us, is not impossible for God (Matt 19:26). Doubt can keep you out of the Bible, but….the Bible can keep you out of doubt. If you neglect the reading of the Word, then you are starving yourself of the Bread of Life …your daily bread, and from the power that is found in the living, breathing Word of God. That power source, along with the Spirit of God and prayer to God, can shatter almost any doubts and cast away almost any depression.

Fellowship

The wife of one of our church elders noted that of the 100 “one another’s” found in Scripture, nearly half of them are imperative commands. Like pray for one another, love one another, serve one another, and so forth, but you cannot serve or pray for or fellowship with others apart from the church. Living the Christian life was not meant to be a solo act. We need one another and there is safety in the sheepfold (the church) where the Good Shepherd guards and protects His flock. Like a roaring lion, Satan loves to seek and to devour the weak and separated sheep who are more vulnerable than the flock is (Eph 4:27, 6:11; 1 Pet 5:8; Rev 12:9). That’s why there truly is safety in numbers. Let’s say your car broke down, as mine has, and you have no one to turn to? In my church, I have had at least half a dozen offers of help to fix my car. We have many more brothers and sisters (in Christ) than we even have in our own natural family (Matt 19:27-29).

Help From the Word

Please read these great and precious promises of God…all unbreakable, and see your doubts and depression fade away.

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. – Psalm 34:17-18

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. – 2 Cor 7:6

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. – Isaiah 41:10

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matt 11:28

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jer 29:11

Seek Godly Counsel

No matter what happens to you, God is still on His throne and in charge of everything. As He has said in His Word, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). If we understand the sovereignty of God and that all that happens to us is allowed by Him for our best, then you and I can “consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18). Sometimes, you need another set of ears from a close and trusted Christian friend, counselor or pastor to talk too. The Bible says “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov 11:14). The Christian life is not intended to be a solo act but one in which we are connected to other believers and be in community and fellowship so that we help one another, love one another, and pray for one another.

Conclusion

I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: Christian Depression Help: Biblical Encouragement and Advice

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: bible, Church, depression, Doubt, Fear, Fellowship, Word of God