Depression is increasingly common, with malfunctioning brains as the prevailing cause as claimed by psychiatry. But what if much of the research is flawed or at least does not support this prevailing mantra? Some prominent researchers in psychiatry are making such a claim. What are the implications for the Christian suffering from depression?
Do you have a “soul” or are you a “soul”? Many theologians and modern translations have essentially “banished” the soul since the 1950s. The resulting vacuum has been filled by the mental health industry with often not the greatest results. But the Scriptures do support the soul and spirit integral to our being. This must be reclaimed to more fully understand healing and transforming prayer, among other reasons.
People of faith are not immune from depression. Many Christians struggling with depression find it difficult to reconcile this with their faith in Jesus. Some responses from faith communities add to the pain of depression instead of offering empathy and support. Although written long ago, the book of Job provides a deeper understanding for the issues of heart and soul for people of faith coping with depression.
Depression has become a “mental health pandemic” of the modern world. Maybe you are depressed or know someone who is. While medication is the common “solution”, personal revelation in the deepest places in our soul can lead to healing and restoration.
Our emotions function as indicators of our souls, pointing to our personal pain, inner conflicts, beliefs about God and much more. We need to listen to our souls as part of our healing and personal transformation. This is in stark contrast to psychiatric medication that typically numbs the soul, prevents lasting healing and undermines spiritual growth.
Healing Prayer and Wholeness 