Sunday, March 30, 2008

Depression

I once struggled with depression. It is such a difficult and tricky thing for a Christian. I would ask myself, "Is this spiritual?" There are so many things in life that I am just so fine about because I "get" that God is in it all! So, when I was depressed, how could He not be "in" it? You can read about my being freed from depression here.

Even when you read about my experience of being freed from depression, you can see that it was a spiritual healing that took place within me. I don't see a very clear line between the two. Depression (which says to me something about serotonin levels being off) and my spiritual life seem to be two total different things.

I say all of this right now because I'm wondering what it is within me that still feels like depression is waiting for me right around the corner? When I sense it, I immediately start wondering if anything is off spiritually speaking.

Lord, hear my heart today. I'm confused about some of the things that I feel. I take such comfort in the fact that you know me so well (Psa. 139) Thank you for carrying our burdens. Thank you for promising peace!

6 comments:

Chelle said...

Praying for you! I so appreciate your honesty when you write, it's very refreshing!!!! :)

Mari said...

I can very much relate to this. Especially when I am pregnant and for some time afterward. I have never taken anything for depression, because of the judgement that sometimes comes with all of it. It is really hard to distinguish the line between spiritual and not...I am in my third trimester of this pregnancy and thankfully I am doing ok. The first trimester was not good. I could not get a hold of my emotions and it was tough.
Anyway, I can relate.... I will pray.
In Him alone,
Mari

Stacey said...

As Christians we can feel even more defeated when we suffer from depression. We feel as though we are just not as spiritual as others. We are three part beings, though. We are spirit, mind and body. We have to treat all three simultaneously. It is rarely JUST spiritual, JUST emotional, or JUST physical - although some are more predisposed to melancholy or maybe, poor physical health.

I don't mean to sound like a know-it-all, 'cause I don't - but this is an area of interest to me, so I've read a lot about it.

Read up on William Cowper for some encouragement, in addition to the Psalms and keep pressing in to the Lord, dear sister!

Stacey said...

I sure love you and love to pray for you. I love that you pray for me too! :) God is so good.

jennyhope said...

i think from all of the ups and downs in the psalms that depression was a real thing then to. Sometimes spiritual but other times chemical in my opinion. praying for you!!

Emily said...

depression may very well be waiting around the corner for you, if God has allowed it. If it is a thorn in your flesh, I would suggest asking God to show you what to do when you feel the pull(which I know exactly what that is like and experience it often). It may be that God created you with the physical part that is lacking the seratonin(sp?) too. I have no idea. Try not to beat yourself up about it, just keep asking God what to make of it. The enemy wants you to belive that it is your fault and that it will be inevitable over time, that you're not really free...don't buy it! God loves the heights and the depths of you, He will be with you wherever you are. Love you sister!