CATEGORY: Depression and Faith
WHAT TO SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS GRIEVING
Have you ever felt uneasy in the presence of someone who just lost a child or a spouse to death? Do you feel awkward when it comes to saying something to a person experiencing debilitating physical pain or paralyzing depression? Have you ever stayed away from a...
An Incomprehensible Truth to Spur Worship & Assuage Depression
How can a truth be both humbling and exhilarating? How is it possible that a concept from the Bible exposes our finiteness and cognitive limitations, yet stirs our soul, prompting us to worship God? Keep reading, and see a truth that rescued me from my doldrums...
“God Is Absent Minded” and Other Encouraging Truths
During the weeks we celebrate Advent, leading up to Christmas day, there's an escalation of depression in the United States. For example, among persons already diagnosed with a mental illness, 24% report that the holidays make their condition "a lot worse," and...
I LOVE JESUS, BUT…
A NOTE FROM TERRY: This is the story of Sarah J. Robinson, written by Phil Callaway. This article first appeared in the Winter 2021 edition of Servant, a magazine published by Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada. Used by permission. As soon as I read this...
How I Failed A Theology Quiz by Complaining
Is it possible to handle depression and bodily pain without grumbling? Someone who I love and respect recently admonished me for a pattern of complaining and negativity. Too often, in the company of others, I verbally cite how depressed I feel, or I mention an...
Can Godly Men and Women Get Depressed?
The Bible clearly answers that question, speaking through God’s people who experienced despair. The reason for their emotional lows varied. A few of the following characters were reacting to a specific difficult circumstance or tragedy. A few were often in a state...
A Prayer for Depression & A Biblical Strategy for Living Strong
In 2020, I wrote a prayer that captures, in abbreviated form, what I often say to the Lord when a depressive episode envelops me. See if you identify with the symptoms I describe in the opening paragraph. Determine if you want to ask the same things of God that I...
From Disappointment to Depression to Delight
A Story Showing How My Grievous Disappointment Became God's Gracious Appointment Have you experienced a setback or disappointment so painful that it broke your heart and spawned tears? Have you thought you were following God's leading to a new business or ministry...
15 BIBLE PROMISES TO ENCOURAGE YOU WHEN YOU’RE DEPRESSED
Why do you need encouragement? What affliction or reason for discouragement is threatening your joy? Can you identify with any of the following factors? Things that Generate Discouragement *Inadequacy for a called task or responsibility? *Weariness of mind, body...
Do You Feel Depressed About Being Weak?
For most of my 71 years, I've bucked against certain frailties and limitations. I've viewed my weaknesses as something that must be overcome, feeling frustrated when, decade after decade of my pilgrimage, I still exhibited those deficiencies or imperfections....
5 Ways To Listen To A Sermon
Do I listen to my pastor's sermons, or do I just hear them? To listen implies engaging the mind and processing the preacher's words. To hear means the sound waves are entering my ear canal but I'm not concentrating on them. What a privilege I’ve enjoyed to take...
A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAVE: Can God’s Blessings Become A Snare?
Sobering Lessons from the Ravi Zacharias Scandal (Part 1) Stimulating lectures on university campuses serving as bastions of a liberal worldview. Stirring debates with prominent atheists and scholarly representatives of other faiths. Soul-strengthening sermons...
