3 Common Myths about Depression - Jeff and Alyssa

Thank you for joining us on this 4 part series about depression. Today (part two of our series) Morgann will talk to us about 3 of  the most common myths that are said regarding depression and those that struggle with it. We hope these will encourage you as perhaps these are some of the things you have been told, or believed, before. 

photo-39I can’t tell you how many times I have laid on my bed with a tear-soaked pillow, crying out to God and begging him to take this darkness from me. Can you relate?

Today, I want to talk about some of the most common myths about depression and give you hope in whatever season of life you are in.

Myths about Depression:

1. If you just read your Bible more or go to church more or ____________________ more, than you wouldn’t be depressed.  I’ve heard this so many times. Sometimes in the church, we have a hard time accepting that there are things in life with no easy “do more” fix. This is often one of those things. That said, don’t stop doing these things when you are depressed. Often times, the tendency is to pull out of church and small groups and reading our Bibles and worshipping (Hebrews 10:25, Psalm 119). And to be honest, if you aren’t already doing those things, it can contribute to feeling depressed. We aren’t made to operate on our own strength and it’s exhausting when we try. Allow the Lord to refresh your spirit as you engage in corporate worship and as you read His word.

2. You must not be a Christian because if you know Jesus, you will be happy.  This is one of the most damaging lies out there. There were years when I honestly doubted my salvation because I had been told that I must not be saved because I was feeling this way. Jesus never guarantees happiness. He gives us his Spirit and an abundant source of joy (Galatians 5:22).

John Piper says, “All true believers have tasted and seen that the Lord Jesus is a sweet, life-giving spring of eternal joy for their soul (Ps. 34:8; 1 Pet. 2:2-3), but the taste, even though it indicates that there is true spiritual life, is easily overwhelmed by the floods of darkness that threaten to bury it.”

Joy is found in a deeply-rooted belief that God is sovereign, that he is good and that He will be glorified.  Joy can be shown in tears, in laughter, in the stillness and in chaos. Jesus doesn’t call us to be happy–but He promises to fill us with joy.

3. Life is not worth living. I have said this to myself on more than one occasion. I know that it’s a lie that the devil would love for me to believe. And to be honest, I am tempted to believe it because that’s what it feels like. But I am called to act on what I know to be true based on what God’s word says is true. And I know that if Jesus has power over sin and death, then he has power over every circumstance in my life. I know that God works for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28-29), meaning whatever is going on in my life, even depression, it is there to bring God glory.  God is exalted in our life when we choose to operate not on what we feel, but on what is true (Philippians 4:8).  Life is worth living because God is in control.

For those of you who are struggling with depression, I want you to know that I get it, more than you know. Please hear this truth: life is worth living, God is still good and there is hope. You are never beyond God’s reach or sight. He loves you dearly. He calls you “child”. He will carry you through as your faithful Shepherd.

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Morgann Burres is a 22 year old newly married who currently lives in Salem, OR. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University, works for Youth Missions International, and has a huge heart for mentoring younger girls. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, March 6, 2014