Monday, August 11, 2025

Anxiety/Depression and Christianity

Recently, I read a heartfelt post from a pastor sharing his personal journey with depression and anxiety. I deeply appreciate his honesty and the encouragement he offers to others who may be struggling. It’s true — even pastors, leaders, and mature believers can experience emotional lows, because we are all still living in this weak, sin-cursed flesh.

The Bible itself shows us examples of God’s servants who reached points of deep discouragement: Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Moses (Numbers 11:14–15), and David (Psalm 42:3–5). Scripture tells us to “encourage one another” (Hebrews 3:13), “build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and “love one another” as Christ has loved us (John 13:34).


Where I Felt the Need to Clarify

One part of the post gave me pause. The pastor quoted Matthew 26:38, where Jesus said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He placed this alongside the struggles of Elijah, David, and Jeremiah. I believe his intention was to show that even our Savior faced intense emotional pain — and that is true. Jesus did feel real sorrow, grief, and anguish.

However, I think it’s important to distinguish between sorrow/grief and depression/anxiety as they are commonly understood today.

  • Sorrow and grief can be righteous responses to loss, sin, or suffering.

  • Depression and anxiety in their deepest sense often involve hopelessness, fear of the unknown, or a breakdown of trust — all of which are rooted in the effects of sin.

Jesus is without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He never lost trust in the Father. Even in Gethsemane, where His anguish was so great that His sweat was like drops of blood (Luke 22:44), He prayed, “Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” His sorrow was real, but it was not despair rooted in unbelief.


Why This Matters for Our Salvation

If depression and anxiety — in the hopeless, unbelieving sense — were present in Christ, He could not be the spotless Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19).

Our salvation depends on a perfect Savior — the only One able to take the punishment for our sin (Isaiah 53:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). In the Old Testament, God required that sacrificial lambs be without blemish as a picture of the perfect sacrifice to come. That sacrifice is Jesus — the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

If Jesus had sinned or fallen into hopeless unbelief, He could not be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). But because He remained perfect and fully trusted the Father, He conquered sin, death, and the curse — and He alone is the way to God.

So when we talk about Christ’s sorrow, we must remember: His suffering was real, but it was always joined with complete faith and obedience to the Father.


A Note to Readers Who May Not Understand

If these things I’m sharing seem hard to understand, it may be because you have not yet truly placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You may have heard of Him, but have you believed Him? Have you trusted Him fully as your Lord and Savior?

I encourage you to take time to read and understand the Good News — what the Bible calls the gospel — because this is the foundation for knowing who Christ is and why He matters in your life.

📖 Read and Share – The Gospel
📖 Have You Ever Heard or Read the Gospel of Jesus Christ?


When Even the Strongest Feel Weak

The Bible shows us that even God’s most faithful servants have felt moments of hopelessness:

  • Elijah – After calling down fire from heaven, he fled in fear and prayed for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).

  • David – Poured out his despair in the Psalms, yet reminded himself to hope in God (Psalm 42:5).

  • Moses – Felt the burden of leadership so heavily that he cried out to God in desperation (Numbers 11:14–15).

These moments remind us that we should never put our ultimate trust in men — not even in spiritual leaders — but in Christ alone.

Jesus Himself said:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

When depression or anxiety comes, we as Christians are not called to dwell in it or make it our identity. We are called to run to Him — our refuge, our strength, our anchor in the storm (Hebrews 6:19).


What the Bible Teaches When Depression or Anxiety Comes

Instead of relying on our own ideas, let’s look directly at God’s Word for guidance:

  1. Run to God in prayer – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

  2. Fill your mind with truth – “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable… think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

  3. Hold on to His promises – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

  4. Draw strength from fellowship – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)

  5. Remember who you are in Christ – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)


Final Encouragement from Scripture

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Even in our lowest moments, He remains faithful. Even when we feel like letting go, His hand holds us fast. This is the hope and security we have when we belong to Him.