Depression is as real as day and night and can also be experienced by believers at times. God promises freedom in all aspects of life through Jesus Christ, but He didn't mean instant change all the time. Many times, God brings us through a process of waiting and progressing. The reality of depression happening even to the most established believers is not far from possible.
2 Corinthians 3:17 tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (ESV). Without a shadow of a doubt, God wants people to be freed from depression through the Holy Spirit, but sometimes wrong misconceptions within the church can actually hinder instead of help the work the Holy Spirit does in the lives of depressed people. Here are five things churches should stop saying about depression.
"Just stop being sad." For many Christians, joy and happiness is not a struggle, but for some it can be the biggest struggle ever faced. 1 Peter 4:12 tells us, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you" (ESV). Everyone will experience trial and sometimes it can be in the form of depression. We all experience different tests.
"Medication can't help you." Just like medication for physiological illnesses should never be belittled, medication for psychological problems shouldn't be either. God can and will move through the miracles of medical sciences, and anti-depressants are vital to the healing process of depressed people. We should never take anyone off pills because it "impedes with faith."
"You're depressed because of your sin." Sure, sin can lead to depression, but so can condemnation and guilt. God reminds us in Psalm 103:12 "as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us" (ESV). God is not the type to domineer us with our past mistakes, but one that desires to help us look forward to the life we can now enjoy through Christ.
"God is dishonoured by your sadness." God doesn't want you unhappy, yes, but it doesn't mean that He is disappointed with people who are. In fact, what would truly dishonour God is denying and hiding our struggles for the sake of appearing fine, resulting only in a false witness. God wants us to be honest and open about our weakness just as Job, David, Jeremiah and many other righteous men were honest about their frustrations and desperations.
"Christians shouldn't be sad." Here's something we must never forget: God gives us all emotions, including sadness. Sadness can be extremely helpful when taken in the right light. It helps us process grief of loss and of past mistakes so that we would be convicted to trust in Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer to the cries of our soul. God is okay with you being sad as long as it does not lead you to mistrust.
