Christians experience sadness, burdensome circumstances, and even depression—a state of mind in which every aspect of life seems negative and dark. Though some may deny this reality, the Bible shows that seasons of difficulty have troubled God’s people since the Fall. Sadness and depression should never be embraced by Christians, since Scripture teaches that Jesus came to give life “abundantly” (John 10:10) and that the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes joy and peace (Galatians 5:22). Still, we’re not alone when we experience dark times. From Charles Spurgeon and John Bunyan to Martin Luther and Richard Baxter, great saints have endured great heaviness in their souls. Fortunately, the Bible contains abundant counsel on sadness, trying circumstances, and depression. Consider the following:
Difficult circumstances can be God’s tool to refine us. Believers only experience trials God has deemed necessary to our spiritual development (1 Peter 1:6-7). Keep believing God’s promises, and your trial eventually will yield to a season of joy—even if you have to wait for it until you reach heaven.
Troubling thoughts may stem from Satan’s attacks. After all, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but . . . against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Though the devil cannot control believers, he can suggest frightening, perverse, disturbing, or painful thoughts. When Christians sense that troubling thoughts have been thrust upon them by an unseen evil force, we should resist Satan with prayer and trust in Christ (James 4:7).
Feelings of weight or burden can be God’s discipline for sin (Hebrews 12:5-11). Non-believers may disobey God without feeling the stress of guilt, but the Lord loves His children too much to permit unchecked rebellion. If you have sinned, repent and God will “restore” to you “the joy of [His] salvation” (Psalm 51:12).
Depression can be the result of a medical or psychological problem. At times, physiological factors can cause life to seem overwhelmingly negative and dark. In such instances, medical help is the appropriate remedy. Indeed, Scripture speaks of taking medication for physical ailments (e.g., 1 Timothy 5:23).
Despair can stem from laziness and lethargy. Proverbs speaks of laziness’ leading to weariness and unsatisfied desires (Proverbs 21:25; 26:15), so be diligent in every aspect of life.
Material needs or stressful circumstances can produce deep anxiety. God’s prescription for these stresses is reasonable thinking, thankfulness for our blessings, and replacing worried brooding with prayer (Philippians 4:5-7).
Seasons of needless burden can be produced by a weak conscience that falsely condemns. If you feel the weight of guilt but believe you haven’t sinned, trust God’s promises of forgiveness and salvation over your finicky feelings. “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart” (1 John 3:20).
Of course, these aren’t the only causes of dark seasons in life, but considering these penetrating diagnoses from Scripture often leads to relief for Christians who find themselves saying with the psalmist, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” Whether the remedy comes from medicine, believing God’s promises, or gaining proper perspective on our trials, heeding the Bible’s advice can lead the burdened Christian to also say with the psalmist, “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 43:5).
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