Why Am I So Downcast and Discouraged?
As a pastor and counselor, I am often asked whether someone should consult a doctor about mood-stabilizing medication or antidepressants.
Some psychologists employ Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) to address anxiety disorders by targeting neurological aspects of mental illness. (A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Anxiety Symptoms in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression, 2023, pp. 1-7)
Currently, there are no blood tests or scans that definitively diagnose psychiatric conditions. (Biological markers in clinical psychological research – A systematic framework applied to HPA axis regulation in PTSD, 2022). To medically substantiate the hypothesis that “a chemical imbalance is causing depression,” physicians and researchers must undertake extensive and ongoing investigation.
In this world, people cannot escape the dark clouds of spiritual battle. Even amid Spurgeon’s pain and grief, he famously said, “We are too prone to engrave our trials in marble and write our blessings in sand.”
If a person learns a few tricks of coping mechanisms, anxiety disorders, EMDR, or crisis management, but does not have a greater affection for Christ, then the task of the minister has failed.
So, what is the goal for Christians from a biblical perspective to help fight in the spiritual battle? How do we help people who sense a spiritual fog of dark clouds that surrounds them?
1. Spiritual Warfare
Contemporary discussions of spiritual warfare frequently focus on interpreting dreams or attributing various events to demonic influence. These tendencies raise critical questions: Is every event attributable to the devil, and how can one discern authentic spiritual warfare from cultural interpretations?
To sharpen discernment, consider the following perspectives: Pop culture often attributes unexplained events to demonic forces, seeing supernatural influence in everyday misfortunes. In contrast, Scripture emphasizes a more nuanced view, highlighting the internal struggle of the flesh versus the Spirit as the primary battleground of spiritual warfare.
What do we do as we hold to the tension between biblical spiritual warfare and “demon under every rock”? Comments such as, “you give the enemy legal right to…” or “be careful with that, you’ll open a door to the enemy,” make us perhaps think twice.
According to 1 Peter 5:8, the Bible urges believers to be sober-minded and watchful, warning that their adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. The primary form of “spiritual warfare” that the Bible stresses is the internal civil war of the flesh versus the Spirit within our souls. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Pet 5:8). Spiritual warfare is real, and the enemy is after families.
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Pet 2:11). The Holy Spirit is the counselor whom the Father has sent in Christ’s Name, who teaches all things to remind everything taught to overcome this world.
If you are a Christian struggling, it is a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work in your life. For every believer who feels defeated and feels belittled by the surrounding society, the Holy Spirit comforts believers by His new birth in Christ. The Holy Spirit is also a refuge, protector, and God’s mighty hand who provides hope amid hopelessness and grants mercy to face tomorrow (Lam 3:19-24).
Is there a difference between Believers and unbelievers regarding the activity of the devil? There is a difference between the believers and unbelievers regarding the activity of the devil.
The believer is indwelt with the Spirit and cannot be harmed. A man is indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit the moment he believes and accepts the truth of God (2 Cor 5:5). This sealing is a permanent sealing guaranteed for salvation based on Christ’s redeeming work on us (2 Cor 1:21).
As we see in the early records, the devil takes the same old method by lying and deceiving. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Gen 3:1).
We must not underestimate Satan by ignoring him or forgetting about his stratagems and schemes. One of the helpful resources is “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices” by Thomas Brooks, the Puritan.
However, we also must not overestimate Satan by saying more about him than the Bible says. Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, wrote on the prince of darkness, of a little booklet that is available as well. Christ has won the victory on the cross (an “already/not yet” redemptive-historical lens), and for us believers, Satan cannot make us sin or prevent us from faith and obedience; the choice of sinful versus righteous behavior comes from the heart!
As believers who are secured in Christ, we must rest in not only the victory secured on the cross of Christ but also rely upon our new birth and the Holy Spirit within us as our security and source of power!
2. Spiritual Depression
As followers of Christ, we should not be surprised by suffering, including depression, in our lives. Scripture reminds us, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Pet 4:12).
Sorrows are inevitable in this life, yet people are so often caught off guard by suffering. The question for us is more than how do pastors keep on shepherding in the crippling effect of depression?
Charles Spurgeon, often called the “Prince of Preachers,” was also deeply acquainted with suffering, particularly through his struggles with depression. As David Powlison observed, “The river of life often flows through sloughs of despond. Charles Spurgeon knew that well.”
Spurgeon knew that suffering was momentary as Scripture laid out, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Cor 4:17-18).
Spurgeon’s experience shows that even the greatest Christian leaders are not immune to depression, and this reality invites us to consider how struggles with darkness can lead to greater dependence on God.
The causes of depression are complex and multifaceted, involving spiritual, emotional, and physical factors. This complexity demands careful listening and observation. Humanly speaking, Spurgeon could have been caught up in a pool full of worry by an anxious heart.
What man needs is much more than reprogramming, as Adam’s way of changing his sinful nature of covering with fig trees did not help him cover his shame / guilt that he felt within. There is much we can learn from Spurgeon’s life and how he faced depression yet had unshakable hope that is found in Christ alone.
As Christians, it is important to understand that drawing near to Jesus may not necessarily result in the complete elimination of depression or in pinpointing its exact causes. Amid the suffering, Spurgeon clings to the rock of ages as he trusts God will bring joy in the morning despite the dark, troubling waters of deep depression. Spurgeon said it well, “We have plenty of troubles and trials, and if we like to fret over them, we can always do that; but then, we have far more joys than troubles, so our songs should exceed our sighs.”
3. Spiritual Anxiety
The terms “anxiety” and “fear” can often be used interchangeably (with panic attack as a severe form of fear). NT verbs (merimnaō) and nouns (merimna) translated “worry” have a good or bad sense, depending on context (Phil. 4:7).
“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7).
Perhaps in that ER moment, overwhelmed with worry and fear, you can turn to prayer: “Lord, I’m afraid and uncertain, but I know You are here. Please help me trust in Your plan and give me the strength to persevere.”
But too often, we question God amid anxiety that comes our way. “Why God? Where are you, God, amid the chaos? How can I trust your goodness amid this anxiety?”
The most frequent command in the Bible with fear is, “Trust in the Lord!” (Prov 3:5-6). Fear is not the opposite of love; fear is what arises when people are faithless. Fear is present when people forget that we are a part of God’s divine design.
Scripture alone uncovers and solves our heart (beliefs and motives) and behavior (words and actions) struggles. We can use the Bible as our God-given tool to diagnose, explain, and solve our problems. The antidote to fighting fear is the Father’s unconditional love, Christ’s amazing grace, and the Spirit’s irresistible peace.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to remember the promises that are given to him by God about who He is and his identity in Christ. (1) There is the past self (Eph 1:3–14), (2) the present self (Heb 4:14–16), (3) the future self (1 Pet 1:1–12).
Amid worry and anxiety that God has forgotten them, those who feel abandoned by God can be reminded; God has never left nor forsaken believers (Heb 13:5).
God knows all our burdens, anxieties, and fears. This should give worriers the confidence to be transparent with God. For God is omniscient (limitless sovereign knowledge), on the other hand, man is a finite, frail, and forgetful creature, to acquire knowledge and anticipate the future to a limited degree.
Thanksgiving as a Tool to Combat Negativity
To have a grateful heart is to be open to all that life offers, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the happy, and the sad.
When we find ourselves overwhelmed with burdens and worried about tomorrow, we can praise God no matter what! No matter where we are in our lives, we should take this time and reflect on the blessings in our own lives. We will recognize that every provision, protection, and peace come from God’s gracious hand.
Martin Luther puts it this way, “Let God speak directly to His people through the Scriptures, and let His people respond with grateful songs.”
The act and attitude of giving thanks are written all through the Scriptures. Scripture says, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Ps 9:1). As the Psalmist calls believers to do so, it’s important to take a moment and appreciate life’s blessings.
What is man’s problem? The inherent problem is sin. Like the time I realized how the weight of selfishness and pride kept me from truly loving those around me, we all face the struggle of our sinful nature. Yet, in that moment of clarity, I found hope in Christ, who offers us a solution through His salvation, moving us from darkness into His marvelous light.
As said earlier, Scripture has a lot to say about giving the Lord thanks. “Now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chron 29:13). The word “thanksgiving” can be defined as the expression of gratitude, especially to the almighty God. One of the great commandments is to give thanks to God for all he has done for us.
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Eph 5:20). It is so much more than a command! This is not simply telling a to-do list, or not list, like telling a child to finish eating the veggies, for it is good for the body. It ought to be a delight of our souls!
As Paul said, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:18). In the NT, we see a gospel imperative that says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Col 4:2). No matter how old we become, God can satisfy the needs of our lives and the spiritual desires of our hearts.