Do you think it is wrong for a Christian to be depressed or hopeless?

Question

First of all, I am a Christian, and if all you want to tell me is that I'm a fool to believe in God, or that I am not saved for feeling the way I do at times, then please don't answer. It is really just a waste of time for both of us.
Christians are usually thought of as always being optimistic and hopeful and full of light, but I find myself feeling depressed and trapped in my life. I feel like a freak in that I do things differently then most people I know. I wind up becoming obsessed with things that are sometimes dark and seem out of place in my life, because I find myself being annoyed with "Happily ever after". Is this wrong of me? It's not that I constantly feel this way. Sometimes I can be truly happy and everything feels.. right. I read the Bible, pray, and I know Jesus as Savior. I ask God for help every day. Yet I still feel like I am messing up because I act differently.

Personally, Laptop Jesus, I doubt God is real pleased with your avatar, either.

Answer 1

I have asked myself and others that same question for the better part of my life, 49 years. As it turns out asking myself and others has been my problem. I'm going to put this as simply as possible, because it is very very simple. We as... people love to complicate, pontificate and generally keep people baffled in the hope that they will think we know more then they do or that we have all the answers. We seem to forget that there is a God altogether! See, here I go complicating my simple answer.
Here it is in a nut shell: If you are a child of God, and if God is everything, then you are exactly the way God would have you be at this moment. We all can't look the same, (thank God!) and although we try, we're not meant to think nor feel the same. God asks his children to love and help each other, all of us. Not to think or act like everyone else. God only used sheep as a teaching aid. We would be sheep if that is what God wanted. Keep being yourself, your perfect! If you want to know how God wants you to feel and think, ask God! If you're quite, and listen with your heart, the answers will come.
If your depression or hopelessness is life threatening, see a professional. God made them also!

Answer 2

I think you are more in-tuned than most that call themselves Christian. It is important to understand that a Christian's reward is in heaven with God. That doesn't help you now, but it is the truth.

It is normal to feel "down" and depressed sometimes...the world is a horrible place. The fact that you seem to feel this reveals that you are seeing the world for what it is. The only thing to do is continue to read, pray, and ask God for help and guidance. Grow and strengthen in faith by turning away from things that God hates. We all "mess up," when we do, repent and get back up and move forward in Christ.

I don't know what you say you are obsessed about, but I do know that God loves you and He has a better future for you! Your hope is in Him! You are not alone. Jesus Christ is the way, and the truth, and the life. Life isn't all peaches, especially for a Christian...our reward is with Him, the greatest thing you can do is realize that.

Answer 3

I think most people think they don't fit in in some way at some time. That's not really a spiritual issue per se (nor Christian). True clinical depression is a chemical imbalance and again, not spirutual per se. Hopeless? Not sure what that really means. Did you expect for people always to address you as Miss Sunshine or something? I'm not trying to be rude, I just want to know what you're basing that claim of hopelessness on. I think your average human is not pegging out the hope or despair meters in either direction. Maybe if you just take a walk it will go away (and if it comes back tomorrow take another walk - seriously if it's anything like depression that you're experiencing the first means of combatting it is more exercise).

Answer 4

Wrong? You certainly didn't choose to feel depressed. Even the best people can find themselves blue or depressed.
There are many possible reasons - but don't blame yourself!

A lot of depression these days has to do with certain nutrients missing in our food. One in particular is connected to Jesus (and in Catholicism - St. Raphael. )
Omega3 fatty acids are abundant in fish oil especially the Salmon. The symbol for the Salmon is the dual fish symbol, each one headed in a different direction. It is similar to a capital 'H'. This nutrient has been known to help people feel better if they're deficient in it and for even those who do not, promote a sense of altruism or unselfishness.
The Salmon sacrifices itself at every return hence the connection with Jesus. (There are also other biblical references, though they don't specify the type of fish).
A good microfiltered brand (Carlsons is one) in a health food store would be about $10-15 . Try 2 capsules a day and see how you feel in a week or two. There are other ways to get Omega3s but this is one of the best and most immediate.

Wishing you blessings and healing

Answer 5

No you are not crazy sister in Christ! You are human; everyone even the most seemingly optimistic christians probably feel the same thing as you at times. Depression is just a part of life, sadness, hate, all that. Sometimes I find myself angry at God for not making my life easier, but remember this too; we live in a fallen creation. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep strong! God Bless you.

Answer 6

Have you ever thought that God made you this way for a reason? Maybe he wants to use this part of you to help someone else, maybe for creativity that inspires other people to Him. I feel like this sometimes too. Its a part of being human. You cant be happy all the time. Thats why God is there to lean on when we need Him. I'm a writer, so I take all my dark thoughts and things like that and put them into writing christian fiction. hopefully my words will inspire somone one day. maybe you have a purpose like that too but with something else

Answer 7

The devil works hard to get Christians, its not unusual to be depressed as a Christian. Try St. Johns Wort as directed from a health food store and pray for a healing. If it gets worse and you have tried a few weeks to get help naturally, then you may need to go to a doctor. Don't be ashamed, God loves you.

Answer 8

you've got a misconception of what chritianity entails. God never promised life on earth would be perfect, without stress, without sacrifice, without struggles. if anything, Jesus calls his followers to lead a life like he did. a life of suffering, sacrifice, betrayal, as an object of ridicule and hatred. followers of God are not exempt from the strife that this world surrounds us in, we just have a safety net. we have a God who loves us and in whom we can trust completely. we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. so when we feel like crap & don't feel like fighting anymore, we don't fall apart because we trust in God's plan and that in the end we've already won. that's why we tend to be more optimistic than others, not because we have less problems, but because we see them as opportinities to trust God & glorify him. faith takes work, and is usually helped by having spiritual people in your life to help you when you're feeling weak. my suggestion: go to someone you see as spritually strong and be vulnerable, open, ask for advice, and be prepared to hear what they have to say. and keep praying!!

Answer 9

Okay, it is all right for you to be sad and depressed. everyone gets that way, even christians. have you thougt of speaking to your doctor or pastor? sometimes talking helps. we are all human and sometimes everyday things get us down. Jesus is a great source of strength and remember prayer always. know that Jesus will get you through this and speak to someone you trust to guide you at this time. and don't be so hard on yourself! Merry Christmas honey and I'll be praying for you!

Answer 10

Christians can suffer from depression just like anybody else. You should discuss this with your doctor because it could be a hormonal in balance. If you are obsessed with things you could even have an obsessive compulsive behaviour problem.