BGEA: Sometimes I feel so depressed in the morning that I can hardly get up. What should I do?

Sometimes I feel so depressed in the morning that I can hardly get up. My husband keeps telling me I need to see a doctor, but a friend of mine says that if I just have enough faith in God I'll get better. Which one is right? What should I do? — Mrs. M.C.

Even when the days seem dark for you, I want to assure you that God cares about you and wants what is best for you. He loves you (whether you feel it or not), and the Bible's promise is still true: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. ... The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid" (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Whenever we face a problem (no matter what it is), God wants us to turn to Him and commit it to Him. But prayer and professional medical help are not opposed to each other, and often God answers our prayers by guiding us to the medical help we need. The Bible doesn't look down on medical help, nor does it encourage us to turn away from it. Remember that the writer of two of the books in the New Testament was called "our dear friend Luke, the doctor" (Colossians 4:14).

I strongly urge you to see your doctor or another qualified health professional about this problem. Depression, I am told, may have many different causes, including biochemical imbalances in our bodies that can be corrected with proper medication.

Most of all, I pray that you may discover in a fresh way Christ's love for you, and learn to trust Him even when the way seems dark. The psalmist's words are true: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

5 Comments

Linda says 4.29.2013, 03:15 a.m.

I have been on different meds for depression. But since they limited any feelings I went off them. Lately I have found that when the depression hits I call on the Lord and He has taken it away instantly. My faith has grown through this. God is able.

Paula R-M says 2.6.2013, 9:05 p.m.

Thanks for this information that answer about medical help and christian faith from Senior Ps Billy Graham. It is really helpful.

James says 1.27.2013, 8:39 p.m.

Realize that a if it is determined that you need medication it is only a part of the solution. God WILL give spiritual healing. No more fear, anxiety, or worry. GOD IS ABLE!! Philippians 4:7

Michael says 1.26.2013, 8:57 p.m.

Great wisdom from Billy Graham. It is good to encourage medical help (I also have chemical imbalance); but you also need faith and trust that He is in control! He loves you unconditionally and will not let you down. He is the great physician!

Ms. M.C. says 1.25.2013, 1:49 p.m.

My name is Lynn and I'm a recovered alcoholic. I also live w/Bipolar Type II on a daily basis. For this, I am now stabilized on 3 mental health meds, and have been for 4 yrs. Pls. contact me if you'd like.Lynn, alcoholic, cancer thriver