{"id":2441,"date":"2021-04-10T01:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-10T01:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/2021\/04\/10\/depression-and-the-god-of-hope-part-2\/"},"modified":"2023-06-02T07:01:12","modified_gmt":"2023-06-02T05:01:12","slug":"depression-and-the-god-of-hope-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/depression-and-the-god-of-hope-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Depression and the God of Hope \u2013 Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\"\"


Greetings! Many of us have either suffered from depression or have known someone who has. In <\/span><\/span>Part 1<\/a>, I introduced the topic of depression and how the Christian can better understand this challenging issue. <\/span><\/p>

Today, I will share a few thoughts on how we can connect with God or help those we love do so. <\/span><\/p>

I say to God my Rock, <\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhy have you forgotten me? <\/span><\/p>

Why must I go about mourning, <\/span><\/p>

oppressed by the enemy?\u201d <\/span><\/p>

My bones suffer mortal agony <\/span><\/p>

as my foes taunt me, <\/span><\/p>

saying to me all day long, <\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhere is your God?\u201d \u2013 Psalm 42:9-10 <\/span><\/p>

Here are a few thoughts on how we may want to consider depression and and the Christian life: <\/span><\/p>

1) Depression is not necessarily a sin. <\/span> When discussing depression, I often hear people frame it around a discussion on sin. What did this person do to “deserve” this? or, What sin is in their life that leads to depression and sadness? We assume sin is involved. Perhaps it is, but I’ve noticed that the majority of times, it is not. Jesus was once asked this question of a man born blind. <\/span><\/span><\/p>

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, \u201cRabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?\u201d \u201cNeither this man nor his parents sinned,\u201d said Jesus, \u201cbut this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.\u201d \u2013 John 9:1-5 <\/span><\/p>

Instead of judging others or assuming, work on having compassion on yourself (or your friend) and seek how to support them. Mother Teresa once said, “When we judge others, we don’t have time (or energy and motivation) to love them.” This truth has made a huge difference in my life. My job is not judging, but love. I can never go wrong by loving and having compassion on others. It is always the right thing to do! <\/span><\/span>Here<\/a> is a helpful article. <\/span><\/span><\/p>

2) We can grow as we deal with depression<\/span>. While I do not struggle with depression, I know those who do (and I struggle with other painful mental health issues). These challenges in my life have caused me to draw closer to God and to find ways to grow. I’ve leaned on this verse many times in my life: <\/span><\/p>

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. \u2013 James 1:2-4 <\/span><\/p>

Here are some useful questions: What has your depression “taught” you? How have you been able to run to the mercies of Jesus in your worst moments? In what unique ways has your depression drawn you close to God? How have the Scriptures informed you during this time? What promises do you hold out from the Bible? <\/span><\/p>

Knowing that we are covered by the grace of God in all of life’s struggles allows us the space and the freedom to stand back and “find God” in our challenges. This is not always easy or clear, but the opportunity is there. Take time to journal your thoughts or find a trusted friend to answer these (and other) questions. Perhaps God desires to use you for His great plans. You may find the words of Jesus to be true, as they were for the man born blind:…but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. <\/span><\/p>

3) We draw close to God in our depression<\/span>. The Psalms (and other books in the Bible) teach very clearly that we have the opportunity to draw close to God in depression. We are able to look up to Him and find comfort and intimacy in our depression. We find a God of compassion and understanding as we struggle with our feelings of sadness and loneliness. This <\/span><\/span>article<\/a> further discusses drawing close to God in depression. <\/span><\/span><\/p>

Consider the following verses I pulled out of Psalms 41 and 42: <\/span><\/p>

Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; <\/span><\/p>

the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. \u2013 Psalm 41:1 <\/span><\/p>

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed <\/span><\/p>

and restores them from their bed of illness. \u2013 Psalm 41:3 <\/span><\/p>

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. <\/span><\/p>

When can I go and meet with God? \u2013 Psalm 42:2 <\/span><\/p>

My soul is downcast within me; <\/span><\/p>

therefore I will remember you. \u2013 Psalm 42:6 <\/span><\/p>

Why, my soul, are you downcast? <\/span><\/p>

Why so disturbed within me? <\/span><\/p>

Put your hope in God, <\/span><\/p>

for I will yet praise him, <\/span><\/p>

my Savior and my God. \u2013 Psalm 42:11 <\/span><\/p>

I hope these words have encouraged you or perhaps enabled you to better engage depression in your life or with your friends. In Part 3, I will discuss how we can better help those dealing with depression. <\/span><\/p>

See also: <\/span><\/span>Part 1<\/a>, <\/span><\/span>Part 3<\/a> and <\/span><\/span>Part 4<\/a> in this series. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This article discusses how to connect to God during depression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":2442,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[71],"tags":[58],"post_folder":[151],"class_list":["post-2441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-mental-health"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/hope_in_depression.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"dtadmin","author_link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/author\/dtadmin\/"},"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/phsvEw-Dn","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2452,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/depression-and-the-god-of-hope-part-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":2441,"position":0},"title":"Depression and the God of Hope \u2013 Part 1","author":"dtadmin","date":"April 1, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Depression can overflow in our lives and social world and create havoc, there is hope in God.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/photo-1534330207526-8e81f10ec6fc.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/photo-1534330207526-8e81f10ec6fc.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/photo-1534330207526-8e81f10ec6fc.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/photo-1534330207526-8e81f10ec6fc.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/photo-1534330207526-8e81f10ec6fc.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2430,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/depression-and-the-god-of-hope-part-3\/","url_meta":{"origin":2441,"position":1},"title":"Depression and the God of Hope \u2013 Part 3","author":"dtadmin","date":"April 16, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"This article discusses how to connect with each other when struggling with depression.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/love.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/love.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/love.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/love.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3643,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/deliverance-from-depression\/","url_meta":{"origin":2441,"position":2},"title":"Deliverance from Depression","author":"dtadmin","date":"November 23, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"This article is based on my book, Free Your Mind, and it describes one of the most important lessons God has ever taught me!","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Sam-Laing28129.png?fit=605%2C333&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Sam-Laing28129.png?fit=605%2C333&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Sam-Laing28129.png?fit=605%2C333&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":26732,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/still-in-the-kingdom-overcoming-anxiety-and-depression-in-my-walk-with-god\/","url_meta":{"origin":2441,"position":3},"title":"“Still in the Kingdom” \u2013 Overcoming Anxiety and Depression in My Walk with God","author":"Lai-Yan Faller","date":"April 10, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Having persevered through death on multiple occasions, I want to inspire people to remain strong in their faith, to get back up at their lowest, and remind them that they\u2019re not alone in these trials.","rel":"","context":"In "Singles"","block_context":{"text":"Singles","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/singles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SITK-award-winner.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SITK-award-winner.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SITK-award-winner.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SITK-award-winner.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SITK-award-winner.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2710,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/a-helping-hand-resource-suggestions\/","url_meta":{"origin":2441,"position":4},"title":"A Helping Hand – Resource Suggestions","author":"dtadmin","date":"November 8, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Dr. Sumerlin provides a list of resources that can help us in recovery.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/resources.jpg?fit=800%2C1066&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/resources.jpg?fit=800%2C1066&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/resources.jpg?fit=800%2C1066&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/resources.jpg?fit=800%2C1066&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3010,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/helping-a-friend-with-anxiety-or-depression-part-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":2441,"position":5},"title":"Helping a Friend with Anxiety or Depression: Part 2","author":"dtadmin","date":"May 15, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Listening with love can be a powerful way to help those struggling with anxiety and depression.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/listening.jpeg?fit=500%2C333&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/hope_in_depression.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2441"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2441\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2441"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=2441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}