When Believers Become Depressed
Helping Those Who Believe in God
by
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Chapter 6: What is Spiritual Depression?
Spiritual depression has several different meanings, but for the purpose of helping those who have may have it, let me give you a quick definition, and explore other thoughts within this chapter. I want you to see spiritual depression as something that resembles the clinical aspects of depression, but it is attached and attacks one’s belief, outlook, perception and physical and mental activity in God.
I believe that spiritual depression creates such a disconnect for believers that they are not even able to remain true to their understanding of their religious beliefs. Many people find that they live in other people’s experiences, or are coveting other peoples experiences; and it is because they are always looking at people and their stories instead of first grasping the teaching that they so often need. There are many instances in the bible that indicates that believers in God suffered from spiritual depression and can be traced from the scriptures regarding this condition. Later in this chapter I will try to use biblical references as a way to show its origin, it’s causes and the treatment necessary to help the person dealing with spiritual depression.
Let us now move on to discuss some spiritual issues that are causes of depression. This is by no means all-inclusive but there are four major issues that we will look at:
Spiritual Issues-The Bible gives more than one example of spiritual depression. We can see it in David with regards to Bathsheba, Samson with Delilah, Hagar, not to mention Saul, Elijah, Esau, Moses, the disciples after Jesus'' death and many others. They experienced depression for various reasons including:
~Sin-Sin can cause depression. Negative attitudes and emotions like bitterness, hatred, guilt or fear can cause a person to become depressed. Unrepented sin whether it is obvious or unrecognized often brings depression.
~God Sent Trials-Though we do not like it, the Word clearly states that trials come in the life of the Christian to test and refine faith.(John 15:2. I Peter 1:6.7) A long trial or hard time which brings with it an absence of hope can cause a state of depression.
~Demonic Attack-Satan is a master mind-manipulator and will often attack the Believer''s mind to push them into depression.
~Spiritual Droughts-Whether referred to as dry times, dark times, or desert experiences the Bible in Isaiah 50:10 refers to one "who walks in the darkness and has no light. Let him trust in the Name of the Lord and rely upon his God." Richard Foster in his book, "Celebration of Discipline" refers to this ex
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About the Book
This book started off as a thought after speaking in many churches, and college settings where individuals who confessed to believe in God, and expressed that they were active believers suddenly “according to them”, started silently struggling with depression and finding no answer to help them with this overwhelming problem.
When Believers Become Depressed is a candid book about how those who believe in God can become trapped by the darkness and deception of depression, and how they mask their depression through religious efforts. This book was written to assist believers and those in the helping profession to better understand what the symptoms of depression are for those who have faith in God. This book will also highlight 21 Symptoms of Spiritual Depression and show you how to challenge yourself to realistically deal with your issues or help someone with theirs.
Everyone at some point in their life will have problems, issues, and situations that may cause them to be saddened or emotionally broken to the point of some form of depression. Sometimes it is more serious than people really think. This book will examine spiritual depression, the signs and symptoms, and will use Psychological and Biblical principles to help individuals break free from the deception of depression. This book can be a life-changing tool, if you pick up a copy for yourself, and buy one for someone else.
Paperback: 232 pages
About the Author
Lakita D. Long, MS, CAMF, CPE
Inspiring Speaker, Trainer and Wealth Builder Expert
Lakita D. Long, President and Founder of New Beginnings Enterprises, Inc. (NBE), an Empowerment Consulting Firm located in Northern California. Ms. Long is a professional speaker, trainer, consultant and author, who passionately inspires others to reach their maximum mental and physical potential. Her talent and ability to motivate, inspire, train and teach others to pursue greatness is awesome! She uses proven principles to propel others to succeed beyond their dreams! With 15+ years experience in training and speaking in the mental health field, her expertise is with student and adult motivation, working with children/adolescents who are considered "at-risk".
Ms. Long has provided counseling and mental health consultations to over 1500 people, consulted over 5000 adolescents, completed more than 600 trainings and given over 2000 motivational speeches. She has built a solid reputation of success in facilitating small and medium sized businesses; helping them to enhance their professional vision and personal development. She has addressed more than 25,000 people both in the
Ms. Long oversees three subdivision companies located in
Ms. Long has been writing since she was 3 years old, and uses the written platform to touch the hearts and minds of men and women worldwide.