I’ve been feeling very depressed
Question:
Dear Sir,
I recently suffered a blow—specifically, the affliction of physical illness—and I have been feeling sorrowful and distressed.
When I am at church among my fellow Christian brothers and sisters, I regain my strength and feel filled with hope. Yet, when I return home and face my current situation, I see no hope; I feel like a candle that has burned down almost to the end, on the verge of going out. I do not know what to do, though I have poured out the sorrow and pain in my heart to God.
Just yesterday, a pastor was called home to the Lord. Hearing this news made me sad, though I know that because he labored for God, a great reward awaits him in the Kingdom of Heaven. My sadness stems from the realization that if God were to call me home, I am not yet ready; I have not yet done any work for the Lord. I simply feel a deep sense of sorrow. Life feels empty; everything is vanity.
Furthermore, God has said that worry and fear are sins, yet I am so weak that I have committed both. I fear illness and worry about the future. 😔 Could you share some words from God and offer some spiritual insight? I am seeking your help.
May God bless you.
Answer:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:6-9).
When depression strikes, it is often difficult to break out of the cycle of negative thinking. Paul mentions several things that can counter anxiety and depression:
Realize that You Aren't Facing Life Alone
You have the support of your brethren (Roman 12:10, 15), but more importantly, God is present to hear and answer your concerns. "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken" (Psalms 55:22).
Count Your Blessings
Be thankful for what you do have. This gives you a more balanced view of life. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:15-17).
Think About Positive Things
This is more difficult when your mind is stuck in a rut. It keeps returning to what it is used to doing. Find positive things to read. Find the benefits, even in hardships. For example, you mentioned a preacher who recently died. Realize that he is now with God. If he was ill, he is no longer suffering in this world. He is not alone; he is with those who have gone on before him. Certainly, he will be missed, but one day we too will cross to the other side.
Practice Positive Things
Put the gospel into action. Do good to people around you, even if you might think of it as a small thing. When you focus on the needs of others, you have little time to focus on your feelings. Send cards. Volunteer to do things for other people. Spend time visiting others. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
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