Shadows Can't Be Without Light: A Christian Perspective on Depression

Depression may feel like an unwelcome visitor, but it’s not the end of the story. Christ walks with us through the night, scattering light even in the darkest places.

Depression.

Many of us have experienced it, all of us have seen it in someone we loved. As the daylight wanes, and darkness expands its reach as winter approaches, many of us will find depression waiting on our doorsteps like a friend we haven’t invited but shows up unannounced anyway. It is that tasteless taste, numb touch, deep, expansive sadness. It is one of the many ways the shadow of death follows us. It has many causes and many cures. It is endlessly difficult to quantify, measure or ever fully explain.

However, as Christians, we have a Savior who not only sees us when we enter the night country, he goes with us, and has gone before us.

He is not a Savior you must go looking for when sorrow descends, he is a Savior who is already there and he has defeated death, leaving only its shadow. Though that shadow is long, cold, and menacing, remember it is only that - a shadow - and shadows can’t exist without light. As the famous writer George Macdonald once wrote in his poem, “Up And-Down”,

“Sure is the summer Sure is the sun The night and the winter Away they run”

If you are in a season of depression, whether short, long or fast approaching, here are a few things you can do:

You are not alone!

Take comfort in the reminder that Christ who descended into Hades goes beside you into the darkest, coldest spaces of your soul.

Look for daily manna.

Just as God gave the Israelites what they needed for the day ahead, what is God providing for you today? Whether that be a song you needed to hear, a meaningful connection with another human, or quiet space to reflect and process what's going on, whatever it is, look for your spiritual manna. God doesn’t promise to take away our ailments this side of glory, but he promises to never leave or forsake us.

Write, sing, paint, build or grow something!

Creativity is one of the healing forces God provides for us to make sense of the chaos of sadness. Scatter seeds of light in the darkness.

Lean into the community

in which he has placed you for your comfort, defying the temptation to isolate and denouncing the lie that you are alone in your sorrow.

For more personal help in finding hope amidst life's challenges please reach out to our team. We're here to help you!

Noelle Wells has worked at In Him for two years. She is a Master’s level Biblical Counselor pursuing clinical training. Noelle is passionate about bringing Christ into evidence based counseling practices. Additionally she is a published poet and short story writer. 

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