When Faith Fights the Darkness: Conquering Depression with God
- Oct 13, 2025
- 3 min read
By Michele Gunn
I do not suffer from depression, but my husband does. I am always reminded of the commercial that states, “Depression hurts everyone.” Depression does not only affect the person who has it, it affects their family as well. It is important to know that depression is real, painful, and often hidden from everyone. Even people with a deep faith can be afflicted with depression. Faith can be a powerful part of healing, but it is not a replacement for professional help. It can be a vital companion to the healing process. Let’s examine how faith can help.
Understanding the Struggle
What is depression? Simply stated, it is a serious mood disorder that can impact how one feels, thinks and acts. It can make daily life a struggle. It can sabotage relationships and demolish careers. Oftentimes, it just makes life too overwhelming and the afflicted person is at a loss as to how to help themself.
People of faith are not immune. The isolation it brings can make people feel that they are far from God and even undeserving of His love. Mental illness does not equal spiritual failure. It can take a lot for a person suffering from depression to reach out and embrace the love and comfort that God offers. Romans 5: 8 is a good reminder of His love, “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (usccb.org)
Faith as a Lifeline
Faith provides hope, identity, and purpose even in the midst of emotional pain. We know that God knows us and our needs as stated in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (usccb.org) He wants us to ask for His help. This is evident in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.” and Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (usccb.org)
Prayer is an important part of the healing process. It is not a magic cure, but can be a connection and grounding in faith and hope. Along with prayer, lean into community. You can find great value in the support of a church family, groups for people with depression and the ability to be vulnerable with safe people. Remember that therapy and medicine can coexist with prayer and faith. They can be more powerful together than utilized separately.
Moving Toward Healing
A person with depression must have reached a point to want to heal to move forward. Sometimes they just have to hit bottom before they will seek real help. That is what happened with my husband.
If you are suffering from depression; seek help, talk to someone, pray honestly, and hold onto scripture. Know that healing is a journey. It does not happen suddenly. Seek comfort in God's presence. He is in your pain and His strength can carry you in your weakness. One of the most helpful things for my husband was when he realized he was not alone in his suffering. It didn’t happen just to him. He didn’t struggle with depression because he was a bad person. There was help available from people who could share their stories, professionals and God. Remember that you are not alone and you were never meant to carry this alone.
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