In the words of psychologist Sean McGuire in the movie "Good Will Hunting," “It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.”
This simple four-word phrase can be so hard for someone with depression, or any mental illness for that matter, to remember and truly believe. But as Christians, these four words can be extremely difficult to accept, because so many Christians have made depression an “untouchable” subject in the church; something to be shamed and ignored.
Depression itself is not a sin, and it’s not your fault. Maybe the cause of your depression was rooted in sin, and maybe it wasn’t. But depression is one of the toughest diseases to live with, and it is important to remember that you are NOT your disease. You are a child of God. You are loved beyond measure. You were made in His image, and He has a plan for your life with obstacles you may never understand.
Christians should not ignore depression, and it most certainly should not be shamed. Instead of viewing depression as something that negatively impacts every aspect of life, perhaps depression should be viewed as a means to grow closer to the God we claim to love.
I have personally struggled with depression for a little over a year, and I can confidently say that it has been the longest roller coaster ride of my life. While there are times that I wish I didn’t struggle to get out of bed, to be around people, or to not believe the lie that my depression defines who I am, there are also times that I have been incredibly grateful for what I have learned because of this disease. It has taken me quite some time to be able to see the positive aspects of bearing this burden, but seeing how the Lord has shown himself to me throughout the past year has been incredible.
Here are five Bible verses that have shown me the positive impacts of depression on my life.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
I am never alone. I may stay in bed all day and be in my room all by myself for hours on end, but I have never been and will never be alone. I am not sure that I would have ever fully understood the truth and value of these words had I never struggled with depression. To be at the lowest point in your life and still feel loved by someone greater than the things or people of this world is the most incredible feeling.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Where I fail, the Lord will always succeed. He is more than enough for me. His power is made perfect in my depression. If I have experienced such power, why would I not tell people about it? Depression hurts, but if I have been able to see the power of Christ through this disease, shouldn’t I boast about this weakness to show other people who Jesus really is?
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
It sounds weird to say that we should rejoice in our depression, but isn’t that what this verse is all about? Depression is hard. I will not lie to you and say that it is easy. But I do know God will not put us through a hardship like depression for no reason—everything He does is intentional. Maybe I would have never developed the perseverance, character, or hope that I have found if it weren’t for this suffering.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
The battle against depression is not just my fight. As Christians we are called to bear the burdens of our fellow believers. It is so comforting to know that I have a ring of friends that is constantly on my side fighting this battle with me. I am never alone.
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
This verse has singlehandedly gotten me through some of my toughest days. When everything seems to be falling apart, taking a deep breath and just repeating the words ‘be still’ has the power to make everything seem okay, even if just for a minute. I know that I do not have to fight this battle and that all I have to do is rest in the embrace of Jesus because he chooses to do all the work, and that has so much power over my depression.
Yes, depression is incredibly painful. Yes, there are days that we wish it didn’t exist. But I promise you the Lord has placed this obstacle in your life for a reason. You may discover this reason in a week, month, or year. You may never discover the reason. But bearing the burden of depression is one of the most eye-opening experiences that can so clearly show you the infinite power of the God we serve, His unconditional love for us, and His almighty plan to shape us into the people we were created by Him to be.
It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.
