Depression and the Christian (continued)

Recently I heard talk of a prominent teacher in my area basically teaching that depression is sin.

The idea was stated that if you really know your God, you won't suffer from discouragement and depression.

You know, Paul asked for his thorn in the flesh to be removed. Did God say, "If you just trust me enough, your thorn will go away"? Did God say, "If you know who I am, you will no longer have a thorn"?

NO, He said, "My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness."

So why do we suddenly not apply that to depression?

ALL suffering is an opportunity for ministry to one another AND for ministry to ourselves. It's an opportunity to say to God, I can do nothing of myself. All that is in me is depraved, worthless. You are my only hope, ever!!

It's an opportunity for God's grace to be perfected. And when I blow it, His grace is my stay!


Selah sings a song:
Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we're falling before Your throne

The purpose of all suffering is to bring us to the throne of our Heavenly Father. I would never tell a suffering cancer patient that trusting God will take away his or her cancer.  So a minister of God or a well meaning friend should NEVER tell that to a depressed person. I find it be dangerous waters and VERY dangerous teaching.

God is our only hope, no matter what our state! Friend, cling to that hope. If you don't know that hope, find it!