I feel depressed all the time; does that make me a bad Christian?
No. But before that answer is explained more fully, let’s define what depression is. Depression is a state of mind in which a person feels a dark, heavy cloud of gloom, misery and hopelessness. Short-term moods of sadness caused by something in your life are common, but when such negative emotions dominate a person’s life for over a month, then it may be a medical condition.
Now, back to our answer. The answer is no, because if your depression is a medical condition then it is physical not spiritual. Good Christians get diabetes and good Christians get depression. Most often, depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Chemical imbalances are generally caused by poor nutrition, drug abuse, low blood sugars, allergies and stress.
There are other causes of depression that are not physical. If you constantly feed your brain with negative or dark things, you are going to feel negative and dark. Be careful what movies you watch, books you read and computer games you play. There are times when terrible things happen to us. Cancer, car accidents and a loss of a loved one can and often do bring on depressed emotions. Sometimes it’s the guilt of some sin in our lives that weighs heavy on our hearts. You need to repent and make things right. A selfish mindset of not getting your own way can bring on an angry sense of being that can be interpreted as depression.
When people abuse and attack us we can get depressed. David from the Old Testament had, at times, people attacking him, trying very hard to destroy him. David was feeling very depressed.
Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
Psalm 143:1;3-6;8-11
Often, in times of distress, we run away from God. Perhaps you are angry with God for allowing bad things to come into your life. After all, you didn’t deserve this. David ran towards God, into the arms of a loving and merciful Savior. He remembered the good old days and meditated on God’s goodness. David wanted to learn God’s will and bring God glory in his troubles. He also put his trust in God for the outcome.
If you are depressed for over a month, look at the physical cause. If it is not physical look at the spiritual. Find the cause and take action and don’t do this alone. Find someone to help and support you in the journey.