Question
How Can a Christian Deal With Depression and Anxiety?
Answer
The only way a Christian can deal with the depression and anxiety is by constantly relying on God's word as their source of input. What do I mean by that?
Depression and anxiety are feelings that are a result of depressing and anxious thoughts. When we choose to think depressing thoughts (input), we will automatically become depressed. When we choose to think anxious thoughts (input), we will automatically become filled with anxiety (output). That is how God made us. Whatever we think will determine how we feel. Garbage in, garbage out.
This may seem too simple for many, but in reality, it is a physiological fact and is how we are wired. That is what Proverbs 23:7 means "As a man thinks, so is he". So as you think, will determine how you will feel.
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This may or may not change your circumstances, but it will help you live above your circumstances, instead of being buried by them.
For a Christian, the end game is that you will be with the Lord one day soon. Either the rapture will happen and you will meet the Lord Jesus in the clouds or you will die as a Christian, and be the first to meet Him. Not a bad deal.
If we change what we are thinking about, it will change how we are feeling.
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Changing Our Input
If we rely on God's truth and word for our input, the result will be fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23:
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"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
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This is something you should test and approve of. While you are thinking depressed thoughts, go to God's word and read about all the promises of God and our identity in Christ. Read through the Book of Romans from the beginning or listen to our Book of Romans podcasts. You will suddenly stop feeling depressed or anxious. It's truly amazing.
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"Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
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This will take a tremendous amount of practice and prayer. It is what the Apostle Paul calls the "renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2...Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
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What is the pattern of this world? To think depressing and anxious thoughts that come from the things of this world.
God wants us to change what we are thinking and put it into practice, so that we can be released from depression and anxiety and experience the peace of God, which "transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9).
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Another Way to Identify Truth vs. Error
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What did Jesus say truth will do in John 8:32? Before you take a look, see if you know the answer?
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Yes, the truth in the word of God will set you free.
So if truth sets you free? What do you think puts you in bondage? Error or lies.
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Who wants you to think thoughts of depression and anxiousness? Yes, it's Satan. "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
(John 8:44).
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Our feelings of depression and anxiety are often riddled with error. They are not based on the truth of the word of God. So again, the only way to combat depression and anxiety is to replace your depressed and anxious thoughts with the truth in the word of God. You must practice this forever, until one day when you die and go to be with the Lord.
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If you want to more about the truth of the word of God, listen to our podcasts and read through our blogs and Bible questions. They might help you spot error in your thinking and replace it with truth.
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If you would like to meet on a phone call or Zoom, click here.
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