Can a true Christian have depression?

Summary

The video script explores the question of whether a true Christian can be depressed, challenging the American notion that happiness is the ultimate goal. It delves into biblical references that depict a range of emotions, including sorrow and mourning, and argues that negative emotions are not only part of the Christian experience but are necessary. The speaker suggests that depression can be a right evaluation of life in a broken world, and that Christians should not feel guilty about experiencing depression. The script also discusses the role of hope and faith in overcoming depression, emphasizing that joy in Christianity is not a simple replacement for depressive feelings but an addition that renews and refreshes the spirit.

Takeaways

• 😔 The script challenges the notion that Christians should always pursue and experience happiness, suggesting that the Bible does not support this expectation.
• 📜 It references various parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 13 and Lamentations 3, to illustrate that the regular experience of a follower of God can include negative emotions like sorrow and a lack of peace.
• 🕊️ The Sermon on the Mount is mentioned to highlight that Jesus presented a different view of blessedness, including 'blessed are those who mourn', indicating that negative emotions have a place in the Christian experience.
• 🌧️ The speaker argues that negative emotions, including depression, are not only a part but also necessary to the Christian experience, as they reflect an accurate evaluation of the broken world we live in.
• 😢 The script explains that Jesus himself experienced negative emotions, such as in the Garden of Gethsemane, showing that it is possible to trust God while also experiencing sorrow.
• 🌍 Romans 8 is cited to discuss the concept of the world 'groaning' due to its brokenness, and how Christians, too, can experience this longing for the world to be set free from its corruption.
• 🙏 The speaker advises that Christians should not feel guilty about experiencing depression, as it can be an accurate emotional response to the reality of living in a broken world.
• 💔 The script touches on the misconception that Christians should treat depression as a purely wrong thing, contrasting it with the reality that joy and depression can coexist in the Christian life.
• 🌟 Joy is described as an addition to depression, not a replacement, and is seen as a recognition that while the world is broken, God will ultimately restore it.
• 🔬 The importance of recognizing the physiological aspects of depression is emphasized, suggesting that medical attention may be necessary when depression is deeply ingrained.
• 🤔 The script encourages self-reflection on what one is hoping in that has failed, and to consider the wider hope offered by God in the face of a broken world.
• 🌈 The final takeaway is that depression does not necessarily indicate a wrong perception of reality; it can be a platform for expressing faith and longing for the world to come, as expressed in the promise 'the Lord is my light'.

Q & A

What is the common assumption about happiness in middle-class America according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that in middle-class America, there is an expectation to pursue happiness and that this pursuit can lead to the attainment of happiness. It is also assumed that the neutral emotional state is a positive one, characterized by happiness and contentment.

How does the speaker interpret the Bible's stance on the emotional experience of a follower of God?

The speaker argues that the Bible does not share the assumption that a follower of God should only experience positive emotions. Instead, the speaker points to various scriptural references that suggest the regular experience of a believer may include negative emotions.

What biblical passages does the speaker reference to illustrate the presence of negative emotions in the Christian experience?

The speaker references Psalm 13 and Lamentations 3, which express feelings of sorrow and loss of peace, respectively. Additionally, the speaker mentions Jesus' emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane as an example of negative emotions in the life of a spiritual figure.

How does the speaker interpret Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount regarding blessedness?

The speaker suggests that Jesus was challenging the conventional expectations of blessedness by stating 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' This indicates that negative emotions, such as mourning, are not only part of the Christian experience but are also seen as a form of blessedness.

Why does the speaker argue that negative emotions are necessary to the Christian experience?

The speaker posits that negative emotions are necessary because they are reflections of our evaluation of the situation around us. They suggest that experiencing negative emotions can be an accurate appraisal of living in a broken and fallen world.

What is the speaker's view on Christians feeling guilty about experiencing depression?

The speaker advises against Christians feeling guilty when experiencing depression. They argue that depression can be an accurate emotional response to the reality of living in a broken world, and it does not necessarily indicate a wrong perspective.

How does the speaker differentiate between joy and depression in the Christian experience?

The speaker explains that joy is not a simple replacement for depressive feelings but rather an addition to them. Joy is described as a more authoritative addition that recognizes the brokenness of the world but also the promise of God to fix it.

What does the speaker suggest about the role of joy in the context of depression?

The speaker suggests that joy can 'streak its way through depression,' acting like a refreshing stream of water in a stagnant swamp. It does not replace depression but renews and dilutes its effects, offering a perspective of hope and renewal.

What advice does the speaker give regarding dealing with depression from a Christian perspective?

The speaker advises identifying what one is hoping in that has failed, and then challenging oneself to consider the greater and wider hope promised by God. This faith in a better future can help carry a person through the failures of other hopes.

How does the speaker address the physiological aspects of depression?

The speaker acknowledges that there can be physiological elements contributing to depression, suggesting that medical attention may be necessary when the cycles of depressed emotions and thinking become ingrained.

What is the speaker's final answer to the question of whether a true Christian can be depressed?

The speaker concludes that a true Christian can indeed be depressed, as depression is not necessarily an incorrect perception but can be a platform for expressing faith and longing for a better world.

Outlines

00:00

😔 The Christian Experience and Depression

This paragraph explores the misconception that Christians should always be happy and posits that negative emotions, including depression, are not only a part of the Christian experience but also necessary. The speaker challenges the American middle-class notion of pursuing happiness and instead points to biblical references that suggest a more complex emotional landscape for believers. Psalm 13 and Lamentations 3 are cited as examples where scripture acknowledges sorrow and a lack of peace. The speaker also discusses how Jesus himself experienced negative emotions, illustrating that such feelings are a natural response to the brokenness of the world. The paragraph concludes by suggesting that Christians should not feel guilty about experiencing depression, as it can be an accurate reflection of the world's state and a longing for its redemption.

05:00

🌟 The Role of Joy in Overcoming Depression

The second paragraph delves into the role of joy in the Christian life, particularly in the context of depression. It argues that joy is not a simple antidote to depressive feelings but rather an additional, more authoritative force that acknowledges the world's brokenness while also looking forward to its ultimate restoration. The speaker uses the metaphor of a water cycle to describe how joy can refresh and renew the stagnant emotions associated with depression. The paragraph also addresses the issue of misplaced hope, suggesting that depression often arises when our hopes in the world fail us. It encourages believers to find a greater and wider hope in God's promises, which can sustain them even when the world disappoints. The speaker emphasizes that while depression may not disappear instantly and can be a lifelong struggle, recognizing the physiological aspects and seeking medical attention when necessary is important. The paragraph concludes by reiterating that depression does not preclude one from being a true Christian and can even serve as a platform for expressing faith and longing for the world to come.

Keywords

💡Depression

Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. In the video, it's discussed as a common emotional experience among Christians, not necessarily indicating a lack of faith. The speaker argues that depression can be an accurate response to the brokenness of the world, as seen through examples like Psalm 13 and Lamentations 3.

💡Christian experience

The Christian experience refers to the lived reality of being a follower of Jesus Christ. The video challenges the notion that Christians should always be happy, suggesting that experiencing negative emotions, including depression, is a normal and even necessary part of this journey. It highlights how scripture portrays a range of emotional experiences, from sorrow to joy.

💡Positive emotion

Positive emotion refers to feelings such as happiness, joy, and contentment. The video discusses the societal expectation in middle-class America that life should primarily be filled with positive emotions. It contrasts this with the biblical perspective, which often includes the presence and importance of negative emotions.

💡Negative emotion

Negative emotion encompasses feelings like sadness, sorrow, and despair. The video emphasizes that negative emotions are not only normal but also necessary in the Christian life. They reflect an accurate evaluation of the world's brokenness and are seen in biblical texts such as Psalms and Lamentations.

💡Joy

Joy in the Christian context is a deep sense of well-being and fulfillment that stems from faith in God. The video explains that joy does not replace depressive feelings but coexists with them, providing a hopeful perspective amidst the brokenness of the world. Joy is depicted as a refreshing stream that dilutes the murkiness of stagnant depression.

💡Hope

Hope refers to the expectation of a positive outcome in the future. The video suggests that depression often results from failed hopes or misplaced hopes in the things of this world. It encourages finding hope in the promises of God and the coming of a restored, perfect world as described in Revelation 21.

💡Broken world

A broken world signifies the current state of the world, marked by sin, suffering, and imperfection. The video highlights that Christians live in a broken world, which is a source of negative emotions. This brokenness is recognized in scriptures like Romans 8, where creation groans for redemption.

💡Trust in God

Trust in God is the belief in His goodness, faithfulness, and promises. The video discusses how even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, experienced intense negative emotions despite His perfect trust in God. This demonstrates that trust in God does not eliminate the experience of sorrow or depression.

💡Scripture

Scripture refers to the sacred writings of Christianity, contained in the Bible. The video uses various scriptural references, like Psalms, Lamentations, and Romans, to illustrate that the biblical narrative acknowledges and validates negative emotions as part of the human and Christian experience.

💡Faith

Faith is the belief and trust in God and His promises. The video posits that faith can transform the experience of depression, offering a broader perspective that includes both the present brokenness and the future restoration promised by God. It argues that faith allows Christians to see beyond their immediate circumstances.

Highlights

The assumption that Christians should always be happy is challenged by the speaker.

Scripture shows that the experience of a follower of God is not merely positive emotion.

Examples from Psalm 13 and Lamentations 3 are given to illustrate the presence of negative emotions in the Bible.

Jesus's Sermon on the Mount is mentioned as a reversal of expectations about blessedness.

Negative emotions are argued to be necessary to the Christian experience based on Scripture.

Emotions reflect our evaluation of situations, and negative emotions indicate a negative evaluation.

Jesus's negative emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane are discussed as a correct evaluation of circumstances.

Depression is considered a right evaluation of life in a broken and fallen world.

Romans 8 is cited to describe the world's response to its brokenness as 'groaning'.

Christians are encouraged not to feel guilty about having depressed feelings.

Joy is distinguished from depressive feelings and is not presented as a simple replacement.

Joy is described as an addition to depression, recognizing the brokenness of the world and God's promise to fix it.

The joy of the Lord is likened to a refreshing water cycle in a stagnant swamp.

Depression often involves placing hope in something that fails, leading to a failed hope.

The speaker suggests questioning what one is hoping in that has failed, and considering God's promise of a greater hope.

Depression is acknowledged as a process that does not go away overnight and may always be present.

Physiological elements of depression are recognized, and the importance of medical attention is emphasized.

Depression can be a platform for expressing faith and longing for the world to come.

The promise 'the Lord is my light' is highlighted as most precious from a place of darkness.

Transcripts

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- So I understand why we ask the question that way,

can a true Christian be depressed?

But the premise behind the question

is actually a little bit, maybe even indulgent.

So I was raised in middle class America

where the expectation is that we pursue happiness.

That in the pursuit of happiness,

we can attain happiness.

And that the neutral point for one's emotions

is actually a positive, happy, joyful sense

that life is good,

and I have what I need,

and I have what I want.

The Bible doesn't share those assumptions.

I think of many different places in Scripture

that the regular experience of a follower of God

is not merely positive emotion.

I would even go as far to say

maybe not even normally positive emotion,

if we're thinking of it

just as a pure experience of positive emotion.

So what comes to mind is places like Psalm 13,

"How long will you forget me, O Lord?

"How long must I sorrow in my heart all the day long

"and have no rest?"

I think of places like Lamentations 3,

"My soul is bereft of peace.

"I've forgotten what happiness is."

I even think that Jesus was trying

to blow up some of these assumptions

when in his Sermon on the Mount

he reverses our expectations of what blessedness is

when he said, "Blessed are those who mourn.

"For they shall be comforted."

So let me actually go a step further

and say it's not just that negative emotions

are a part of the Christian experience.

I would actually argue, based on Scripture,

that negative emotions are necessary

to the Christian experience.

The reason I can say this is because emotions,

whether they're positive or negative,

are always,

reflections of our evaluation of the situation around us.

So negative emotions means

that we're negatively evaluating what's around us.

So Jesus experienced negative emotions,

like in the Garden of Gethsemane

where he was weeping, he was crying,

he fell down on his face.

And one could say,

well, Jesus, don't you trust God?

Why are you reacting with such powerful emotions?

But that would be a misunderstanding

of what it means to trust God,

because in that moment, Jesus is evaluating

the circumstance of losing the relationship

between the first and the second person of the Trinity,

the forsaking that has to happen at the cross.

He's evaluating that as a terrible thing,

a thing he doesn't want to lose,

and he's sorrowing over that.

So as we move towards the question of depression,

how is depression

a right evaluation

of life?

Well, it's a right evaluation of life

because we live and a broken, and a fallen world.

Romans 8 talks about a very broken world

that's having a certain response to it's brokenness.

That response is this term, it's "groaning",

this expression of pain

that can't even be captured in words.

The world is groaning,

waiting for it to be set free from its corruption.

Not only the world is groaning,

but we who have the first fruits of the Spirit,

even Christians,

they groan because they want the same things.

So the point is negative emotions like depression,

the apprehension of pain,

these can be an expression of a heart

that's seeing accurately

that this world is not how it's supposed to be.

So Christians shouldn't necessarily feel guilty

when they have depressed feelings,

because in some ways, that's an accurate emotional response

to a depressing situation of being in a broken world.

I've counseled many folks who are from Christian circles

that treat depression as a purely wrong thing.

It's the wrong response when God loves you.

Don't you believe in the joy of the Lord?

They'll often hear things like that.

And joy is a real thing.

But joy isn't a simple replacement

of depressive feelings in the Christian experience.

It's not that you have either total joy or total depression,

and therefore, it's a fighting match to which one rules.

That's not how it works.

Joy is not a replacement, so much as an addition.

I would even say a more strong

and more authoritative addition to depression,

because what it is recognizing is,

yes, this world is broken,

but that's not the ultimately true thing.

It's broken, and God's going to fix it.

"He's going to usher in for those who belong to him

"a world where there is no sorrow,

"nor crying, nor pain, nor death anymore,

"because these are the former things."

That's Revelation 21.

So joy streaks its way through depression.

It doesn't replace it,

but it renews it sort of like a water cycle, if you will,

of a swamp where there's stagnant water.

It's unmoving,

and the longer it sits there,

the more it gets murky and just gross.

But, then, you have this fresh stream of water,

whether it's coming down off of a mountain

or from the sky,

and it dilutes the murkiness.

It refreshes it.

That's how the joy of the Lord works, often,

when we're talking about

the difficulty of living in a broken world.

So let me say something a little bit more specific

about how depression works that might be helpful.

Depression always involves, to some extent,

a person placing their hope in something

and that hope failing them.

So in life in a broken world,

we are constantly tempted to look at different situations

that if only they were to change

or if only they were to improve,

that would give me something worth living for.

That would solve my problem.

That would give me relief from my pain.

So when those things don't work out, that's a failed hope.

Or maybe even worse, when those things do work out,

and then they don't deliver

on what I thought they would deliver on,

that is also a failed hope.

So with depression,

it's just helpful to ask yourself the question

what am I hoping in,

or what was I hoping in that has failed me?

Identify what it is.

And then, as we saw in Romans 8,

you have to challenge yourself

to think carefully about what God says

about a greater and wider hope.

So whatever ways this broken world has failed you,

there's a wider world,

there's a larger world,

there's a permanent world that's coming

that will not fail you.

If you believe that,

then that belief, that faith,

streaks through the failures of all those other hopes,

and it carries you along.

So it's not the avoidance

of all negative depressive feelings,

but what it is is that keeps negative, depressive feelings

from taking over and hardening,

and characterizing the entirety of your experience

of this world, and of this life,

because God has a greater world,

and a greater life that he's promised you.

So all of this is a process.

Depression does not go away overnight,

and sometimes it will always stalk a person's life.

So in addition to that,

there are physiological elements that we need to recognize.

Sometimes the cycles of depressed emotions

and the cycle of thinking that goes along with that

can be so ingrained that there's some physiological element

that's contributing to the overall experience,

and we should have medical attention when that's the case.

But to go back to the original question as it was phrased,

can a true Christian be depressed?

The answer's yes,

because depression isn't necessarily an indication

that someone is seeing things wrongly.

It can actually become a platform

of where we can express faith.

We are drive to see, and to value,

and to long for that world in ways that,

had we not gone through that depression,

we wouldn't see, and value, and long for the world to come.

The promise, "the Lord is my light"

is most precious from a place of darkness.

- [Narrator] Thanks for watching Honest Answers.

Don't forget to subscribe

to find out the answer to next Wednesday's question.

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