Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

Church & Ministries

Friday, Feb 10, 2012

Do I Need Medicine or Prayers for Depression?

0
By Billy Graham , Christian Post Guest Columnist
July 21, 2008|10:45 am

Q: My doctor says I need to get on some medicine for my depression but I'm afraid to do it. I have a friend who says I just need to pray and get close to God. How do I do that? I admit I need some kind of help. I don't understand what's been happening to me. - Mrs. B.T.

A: Depression can be very crippling, and I commend you for facing up to it and seeking help. Unfortunately, some people who experience depression feel guilty or ashamed, and as a result they refuse to admit they need help.

But they shouldn't feel this way; some of the Bible's greatest people (such as Job and Elijah) knew what it was to be depressed. In the midst of his suffering, Job cried out in despair, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). But in time Job realized that God still loved him, and when he turned to God he found new strength and comfort.

And I pray this will be your experience as well. Perhaps you've never thought about God very much - but He made you, and He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son into the world to give His life for you and make you part of His family forever. If you have never done so, ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today - and He will. No matter what happens to us, we can have hope when we know Christ.

At the same time, don't hesitate to seek medical help if you need it. Depression can be caused by many things, including chemical imbalances in our brains, and often the right medicine can correct these. God can use doctors and medicines to help us, and in fact they may be God's answer to our prayers.

Like us on Facebook

________________________________________________



Affectionately known as the “World’s Preacher” for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories — through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.
0
Top Stories

Obama Says Contraception Compromise Protects Religious Liberty

President Obama announced a compromise on Friday ...

Elevation, 50 N.C. Churches to Serve Homeless, Elders for LOVE Week

Over 50 churches in the Charlotte, N.C.-area will be preforming community service and caring for the poor on Saturday as part of LOVE Week.

Legal Expert Informed White House Law Is Unclear on Contraception Mandate

Lawsuits over the Obama administration's ruling ...

City Council in Iowa in Talks to Bring Prayer Back to Meetings

A religious organization in Iowa is hoping to bring prayer back to city council meetings after the practice was dropped earlier this year.

Honoring the Dead From the Comfort of Your Car

Most certainly not the only drive-thru funeral ...

Clergy Group Pushes Darwinism as Sound Science in 'Evolution Weekend'

More than 500 churches in ten different countries ...

Crystal Cathedral to See Name Change, New Design

Crystal Cathedral, the Garden Grove, Calif., ...