Miracle is in the walking: Depression

Depression is real, and it’s something we need to talk about more in the church. Unfortunately, we’ve created this culture where we think the church has to be a place where everyone’s happy, smiling, and so well put together. But the church isn’t a show. 

It’s a family of God. 

And in a family, it’s okay to not be okay.

Too often, when someone’s struggling, we just say, “Oh, pray about it. God will heal you.”

Yes, prayer is powerful. 

But we focus so much on the result that we forget to talk about the process. 

Sometimes, the miracle isn’t instant. 

The miracle is in the walking.

We need to face depression head-on. 

Depression creeps in when we bottle up our feelings and don’t speak up about what’s really going on. And the more we hide and suppress, the heavier that burden becomes, pressing down on our hearts and minds.

Let me tell you something — the devil is using mental health as a tool to attack God’s children. But the truth is God didn’t just die for your spirit. He died for your mind too. He wants to renew your mind, to transform it day by day (Romans 12:2).

Some of the greatest men in the Bible struggled with deep despair and depression. David, a man after God’s own heart, wrote in Psalm 38:4, “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.”

He also cried out, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.” (Psalm 42:11)

David didn’t hide his feelings.

He talked to God about his struggles day and night.

And that’s what we need to do. Talk to God about your problems, and talk to yourself about God’s promises.

Look at Elijah. After one of his greatest victories — calling down fire from heaven and defeating the prophets of Baal — he was so discouraged, so worn out, that he prayed for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).

Can you believe that?

One minute, he’s a mighty prophet, and the next, he’s asking God to kill him!

But God didn’t answer that prayer. Instead, He gave Elijah rest.

Sometimes, what we need is just a good sleep and a good meal to help us reset. Don’t over-spiritualize everything. If you’re having a bad day, that doesn’t mean you’re having a bad life.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast your burdens on Jesus, because He cares for you.”

Talking can transform. When we open up about our struggles, it helps. I’ve seen it time and time again. So if you’re struggling today, talk to God and talk to someone. Don’t hide it. Don’t suppress it. Healing comes when we’re willing to be real about what we’re going through.

Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Anxiety causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. That good word is the Word of God, full of power and transformation.

I encourage you to take the help offered to you. Open up to God, apply His Word, and let His promises sink deep into your heart.

God is for you.

Always has. 

Always will.

Watch the full message, and always remember — you don’t walk alone, God’s right there with you.