Elle

I asked Shawn Spencer and he asked Gus and now I’ve heard it both ways

Anyone who thinks it's impossible to know God and experience a depression has never picked up the book of Psalms lol. You can suffer in this way and yet still look to the Lord in the midst of it.

Psalm 77:3-4 ESV — When I remember God, I moan;

when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah You hold my eyelids open;

I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

Psalm 42:5 ESV — 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

Since being saved, I have experienced episodes of low mood but it's never been the same as I was pre-salvation, when I had no hope. No matter how low I am, I know there's always a God I can rely on. That's the difference, but the experience is still very real.

I don't know where this idea came from that being saved = always having a happy attitude. Our instruction to endure suffering with joy is one we should strive for, but God is more than gracious to us as He perfects us in our faith.

The burden of life is so much heavier without God, but that doesn't mean that we won't still struggle with depression after we are saved. The Bible shows us Lamentations for a reason, and it shows us how to praise and worship during times of hardships. The Lord is near those who are broken hearted and crushed in spirit. Having unwavering, perfect love from our Creator is the source of our strength during those times. It shifts our perspective to the plans He has for us, and reminds us that He is with us every step of the way.