Even Christians Get Depressed: Finding Hope in the Midst of Darkness — Carol McLeod Ministries
A Note from Carol: One of the most fulfilling aspects of my ministry is the privilege of partnering with others who have dedicated their lives to proclaiming the hope and truth found in God’s Word. I believe we are in a season where God is amplifying the voices of those uniquely called to inspire, encourage, and equip the Church. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Michelle Bengtson. She is not only a gifted psychologist but also a passionate advocate for mental and emotional health, using her expertise to help others find healing and hope. With a deep understanding of God’s Word and a heart for His people, she has the rare ability to combine biblical truth with practical wisdom in a way that feels both real and transformative. It is an honor to share my platform with her, and I know you will be blessed by her insights.
Depression is a word that can make us feel uncomfortable, isolated, or even ashamed, especially within the Christian community. Often, Christians are expected to be perpetually joyful, overflowing with peace and constantly living in victory. However, the reality is that even Christians—faithful, God-loving, Scripture-reading Christians—can and do experience depression. It’s crucial to acknowledge this reality, not with condemnation, but with compassion. The good news is that Scripture not only acknowledges the human struggle with despair but also provides hope for navigating through it.
Biblical Examples of Depression
If you have ever struggled with depression, you are not alone. The Bible is full of individuals who experienced periods of deep despair, overwhelming sadness, and moments when they felt like giving up. These examples remind us that depression is not just a modern phenomenon, nor is it necessarily a result of a lack of faith.
Consider David, the “man after God’s own heart.” Many of the Psalms are a raw and honest expression of his inner turmoil. David’s cries in the Psalms reveal seasons of profound grief, hopelessness, and discouragement. In Psalm 42:11, he writes, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” This is not the language of someone immune to emotional suffering, but of someone experiencing the depths of despair.
Then there’s Elijah, one of the most revered prophets in the Old Testament. After a dramatic and victorious confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah fell into a deep depression. In 1 Kings 19, he is so overwhelmed by his circumstances that he prays, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Despite witnessing God’s power firsthand, Elijah felt utterly defeated and alone.
We also see the lamentations of Jeremiah, often referred to as the “weeping prophet.” His ministry was marked by rejection, hardship, and sadness. He penned words like, “I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, ‘My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord’” (Lamentations 3:17-18). Jeremiah’s grief was real and profound, yet his words are preserved in Scripture to remind us that even in our darkest hours, we are not alone.
Even in the New Testament, Paul—the apostle who penned much of the New Testament—confessed to times of hardship and deep emotional struggle. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul writes, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” If these pillars of faith experienced such trials, we should not be surprised when we face them too.
Depression Does Not Mean a Lack of Faith
For some reason, the church has often misunderstood depression as a sign of spiritual weakness or lack of faith. But as the biblical examples show, faith and depression are not mutually exclusive. Depression does not disqualify us from God’s love or His purpose for our lives. In fact, the Bible’s candid portrayal of human suffering reassures us that God understands the depths of our emotions. He is not surprised by our struggles, nor does He dismiss them.
The presence of depression does not negate the presence of faith. Instead, it is often in the darkest seasons that our faith is refined. It’s in the valley of despair where we learn to lean into God’s strength, rather than our own. Even when we can’t feel Him, God is still present. Even when our prayers seem to echo in silence, He is still listening.
There is Hope: A Light in the Darkness
One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God does not abandon us in our darkest moments. Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” In the moments when we feel most alone, God’s Word assures us that He draws near.
Jesus Himself acknowledged that this life would bring trials and sorrows. In John 16:33, He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our hope is not in a trouble-free life but in a Savior who has already conquered sin, death, and all the burdens we carry. He is our source of hope, even when hope feels elusive.
Practical Steps for Finding Hope
While it’s important to acknowledge that even Christians can experience depression, it’s equally important to seek hope and healing. Here are a few practical steps to consider:
1. Be Honest with God – Bring your pain, doubts, and fears to God in prayer. He can handle your raw emotions. The Psalms are full of prayers of lament—examples of honest cries to God in times of need.
2. Seek Community – Depression often makes us want to isolate, but God created us for community. Find trusted friends, a support group, or a counselor who can walk alongside you and remind you that you are not alone.
3. Feed Your Mind with Truth – Combat the lies of despair by meditating on Scripture. Remind yourself of God’s promises, even if they don’t feel true in the moment. His Word is a light to guide us out of the darkness.
4. Prioritize Self-Care – Take care of your body, mind, and spirit. Proper rest, nutrition, and exercise can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. Don’t neglect the practical aspects of self-care.
5. Seek Professional Help if Needed – God has gifted doctors, therapists, and counselors with the wisdom to help those struggling with depression. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weak faith but a sign of strength and step toward healing.
A Final Encouragement
If you are in a season of depression, remember that you are not alone. Scripture does not shy away from acknowledging the reality of human suffering, and neither should we. The same God who met David in his despair, who comforted Elijah in his isolation, and who sustained Paul in his weakness, is with you today. There is hope—both in this life and the next—because we serve a God who specializes in bringing beauty from ashes, light from darkness, and joy from mourning.
Hold on to Him, even when you can’t see the way forward. He is holding on to you.
Welcome back to the Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod! Today’s conversation is a continuation of our January series on the difficult topic of depression, and this week’s guest in another friend of the show, Dr. Michelle Bengtson, clinical Neuropsychologist. Dr. Michelle speaks from both personal and professional experience about the challenges of depression as well as some strategies for journeying through it. Listen in for another encouraging episode!
Order Dr. Michelle’s book Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression at https://amzn.to/3BZgSTH
