What causes spiritual depression?

What causes spiritual depression?

Spiritual depression is an issue that has been largely ignored by Christians during difficult times. Physical and mental depression has overshadowed the reality of diminishing spiritual growth. This is not to say that biblical interest has waned, but biblical activity appears to have plateaued. People know the Word, but often fail to act on the Word. When Christians ignore the activation of spiritual truth, they develop self-imposed guilt that influences their attitudes. When their spiritual temperature stagnates, spiritual depression begins to appear. To combat increasing depression, they replace personal study with corporate worship; in other words, they hope to make up for their inactivity by participating in active weekly worship services. Hoping that they can achieve spiritual stability, they enter worship with a high emotional expression of praise and worship. When they can “feel” the Lord’s presence, they believe they have overcome their spiritual depression. The problem with this approach is that Monday is just around the corner and the weekly AOL Biblical Action reappears. If this action is not changed, a greater level of frustration will become apparent. Spiritual depression will soon set in from not following the Word, and if left unaddressed will lead to a truncated Biblical lifestyle.

One of the problems believers have in pursuing continued spiritual growth is that they are reading an unauthorized version of the Bible. The SIV (Self Interpretive Version) appeases the carnal nature of the reader. They look for verses that deal with what they can get rather than learning to give of themselves. People who read this version will highlight scriptures that are acceptable with the least amount of commitment. Problems arise when things are taken out of context. When their chosen fonts don’t “work,” they get confused. When they see other Christians actually thriving, the door opens to spiritual depression.

Depression is the pushing down and diminishing of negativity to the point where the individual feels no incentive to act on God's Word. When the Christian allows worldly things to overshadow heavenly things, spiritual depression becomes a real possibility. Media addiction is the cause of much anxiety. Whenever social observations outweigh our time in the Word, we grieve not only spiritually but also for the Holy Spirit.

Recipe for Dealing with Spiritual Depression:

Take a week off from all media activities

Ignore the SIV Bible

Double your personal Bible study

Have open conversations with the Lord

Show what you have learned from your studies

Abundance of praise and worship

Be positive

NOTE: Refill if necessary

Inspired by Paul W Hoffmaster