When You are Depressed And Feel Far From God

Have you ever felt so depressed that it seemed like everything was going against you? Yeah, I’ve been there. Depression has a way of negatively twisting the perspective of our thinking.

In Psalm 13, David also experienced a depressed state of mind. Fortunately, he fought through it by seeking the Lord and turned his depression into delight. Let’s explore how he did it.

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? And how long will my enemy have the upper hand? Psalm 13:1-2

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As you will notice, David, the man after God’s own heart, sought God in a depressed state. Four times, he asked, “how long.” How long would the Lord seem distant to him?

Like David, we want everything to go right for us. But sometimes they don’t. Even the most spiritual person can experience times when God seems distant to them. Why does that happen?

Keep in mind God doesn’t waver in His love for us. We can, however, waver in our relationship with Him. The Bible helps us to identify a few reasons why God might seem distant to us,

Unconfessed sin can hinder intimacy with God.
Life’s dark moments can distract us and cloud our spiritual vision.
Changing our priorities and spending less time with God will affect our relationship with Him.

God might seem distant in getting us to pay attention to a destructive path we have chosen

Testimony of a Depressed Person

Once, I spoke with a very depressed man because of his life situation. Things weren’t going well for him at all. His family life was in shambles, his job in jeopardy, and he was broke.

He had convinced himself that God didn’t love or care about him anymore. In his opinion, God had forgotten all about him. What do you say to a person in that mindset?

He inflicted on himself each of the circumstances he found himself in. He caused the problems in his family. And he created the troubles he faced at his job.

On top of that, his financial woes resulted because of his poor money management. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he blamed God for them all.

I understand we don’t cause all of our problems. But it really doesn’t matter if someone thrusts them on us or if they come by self-infliction. God loves us and won’t turn his back on us.

David had lost the sparkle he once had in his eyes. He assumed God didn’t want to look at him anymore. I want you to observe amid his depressed state, he continued to speak to God.

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Psalm 13:3

I’ve met people who believed God had completely given up on them. So, despite past experiences of God wonderfully moving in their lives, they decided to abandon Him altogether.

David never entertained thoughts of turning from the Lord. And because of his past experiences, he knew God would never turn from him. The Bible says He will never abandon any of us.

God Will Never Leave Us

Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
The Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. Zephaniah 3:17
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

So, instead of turning his back on God, he decided to trust him. Therefore, he brought the following petition before the Lord.

Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. Psalm 13:4

That petition, in essence, demonstrated that David never lost his confidence in God. It showed more than confidence and trust. He moved from questions to God to the worship of God.

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. Psalm 13:5

When did God rescue him? Every time he faced an enemy, the Lord rescued him. Did David have to fight some battles physically? Absolutely, but each time, God gave him the victory.

In every phase of David’s life, the shepherd, warrior, king, and Psalmist, God protected him. We have no reason ever to become depressed because He always stands with us as well.

Dive into the Arms of God

Along with trusting God, David said he rejoiced in the Lord. I like the way the Message Bible translated verse 5.

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—I’m celebrating your rescue. Psalm 13:5 MSG

Why did he do that? Because he remembered that God had rescued him before. We all have moments and even days when we wonder where God is or if He hears our prayers.

Sometimes, we must do what David did by reminding ourselves of times when God came through for us. Then, throw yourself headlong into His arms. In other words, dive into the arms of God.

Let’s also look at how the Message Bible ended this Psalm with its translation of verse 6.

I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers. Psalm 13:6

Do you remember the old hymn called “Count Your Blessings?” The chorus says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.”

When a Christian becomes depressed, it should be short-lived. Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on the one who brought solutions to your past problems.

Then, because of your past answered prayers, fill your lungs with praises and sing them to the Lord. God loves you! He really does, and He will never leave or forsake you!

Lord, bring new life to those who think you don’t care. When we are depressed, remind us of times when you took care of us in the past.

Check out these related posts about trusting the Lord.