When it comes to depression and anxiety, many people are left feeling confused and frustrated. But what does the Bible say about these issues? In this article, we'll explore the diagnosis and prescription that God provides to help us overcome depression and anxiety. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that symptoms experienced “most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks, could be diagnosed as a depressive disorder”. The Anxiety and Depression Association of the United States estimates that 40 million adults, or 18.1% of the population, have an anxiety disorder.
From a biblical perspective, depression and anxiety can be rooted in demonic oppression, in sin in our own lives or in the lives of others (such as environmental and psychological factors), as well as physical origins in our fallen bodies (such as biological and genetic factors). The NIMH lists several symptoms as possible indicators of depression, such as sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, anger or bad mood, lack of interest in things or activities you used to enjoy, tiredness without energy, feeling worthless, thinking about dying or trying to commit suicide, etc. God provides us with a diagnosis and prescription to help us overcome depression and anxiety. He tells us to “put all your anxieties on him, because he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). We are also instructed to “not worry about anything” but instead “through prayer and prayer with thanksgiving, send your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
When we cry out for help, God hears us and frees us from all our afflictions (Psalm 34:17). It's important to remember that church members tend to want to address only the spiritual side of things or to believe that anxiety and depression are caused solely by spiritual forces. However, it's important to understand that there are many factors at play when it comes to depression and anxiety. If you're looking for help with depression or anxiety, visit the Bible online to search for words if you don't know the specific passage you're looking for.
You can also reach out to your church for support. At Lifeway, we are here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life throws at you.
