"Some people feel guilty about their anxieties and regard them as a defect of faith but they are afflictions, not sins. Like all afflictions, they are, if we can so take them, our share in the passion of Christ."-CS Lewis
I dont understand the pain in my life. Wanted to be a christian and be in prayer with christians all my days yet fear and embarrasment and shame have held me in lonliness
@@pauleng883 confession and accountability are good. These are gifts, not burdens. It’s simple: you tell them (Christians) what you’ve type and have the subsequent conversation and prayer. I remember confessing to my small group that I was leading my sins as I was going thru it (as opposed to after the fact/once I think I’m done). Don’t think about them and their responses but rather the relationship of your own soul with Christ. I visibly shook while I did it but was comforted by God right in the middle of it. It shattered all images and idols I wanted up of myself-as the pursuit of Christ will do inevitably haha
Speaking from my own personal experience, I went through the last 5 years of my life going from mildly to severely depressed and all in between. I understand others may have a chemical imbalance so it may be different, but once I recommitted my life to Christ my whole mood and attitude has changed. I actually have HOPE for my future and I have begun to pick up my cross daily and walk in gratitude for what Jesus did for me. God wasn't kidding when He tells us that if we give it ALL to Him, that we will be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of our minds. Does this mean I never get sad anymore, absolutely not. But my focus is no longer on my sadness. It is on the ultimate truths that God has given us as His children (like who I am in Christ, the gospel, and trusting that God works all things together for our good). Changing my mindset was not easy, definitely one of the hardest things for me to do, but when you take captive every thought that is a vain imagination and counteract it with God's truths, then wow. Your life truly begins to change for the better, because your identity is lying in Christ. Thanks Pastor Mike for this great live stream, I always enjoy your content!
Thank you for sharing, Jessi. I have tears in my eyes because just 20 minutes ago, I prayed to God because I have felt sad and depressed over the last few days and wondered where God's spirit was. Whay was I sad. I told God I was still here and thanked him for being there, even though I was distant. I prayed for his strength and to pour his love into my heart so I could give that love to others. I prayed for him to help me see others and to stop focusing on myself and my sadness. And my prayer brought me to this page. To this comment. God is amazing. You are amazing Jessi. God bless you and everyone!
In times when i feel overwhelmed with anixiety or sadness, i pray "Thank You Lord, that no matter how i feel, You have got this!" God is bigger than my feelings, which often lie to me.
And that our faith should not be based on how we feel, but on the Word of God. Feelings are fickle & are not necessarily based on truth. God’s Word is truth, & it never changes.
I figured out my trigger for depression and haven't been depressed ever since. My trigger was feeling sorry for myself. I just don't let myself go there. Sometimes even be saying "no" out loud. Now each morning I wake up, I feel an inner Joy that only the Lord can give.
A thing that I’ve noticed is that sometimes, when I feel depressed, it’s almost as if I enjoy being depressed. Like I don’t want to feel better and I deserve this little pity party I’m throwing for myself. It’s a really toxic place to be in and also a way depression can lead one to sin.
That is a very brave thing to say. In John 5 Jesus asks the man at the Pool of Bethesda if he wanted to get well. Because once he was well he would have to get a job, and would have a different identity, he would get out of his comfort zone and no longer receive pity. In my experience we can start where we are at and ask God to help us want to change
Being depressed is strangely addicting. It's weird. I think I tend to make it my identity. I hadn't thought about it in those terms until I read your comment.
I have found myself considering these same thoughts. I'm diagnosed bi-polar. I have struggled with this. How much is biological or chemical, how much is situational or environmental, how much is emotional or psychological? I am thinking it is all of these. I just know that my only hope is in God in Christ.
Wonderful video, Mike! I have dealt with depression on and off for many years. I have found that devouring the book of Psalms (over and over again) is a big help. Cry those verses and promises to God. Also, getting your focus off yourself and helping others, even when you don't feel like it, especially when you don't feel good, does wonders for your outlook and moods. The old adage about counting your blessings is true. I can remember many times just trying to recite all the multitude of good things God has done for me, and I'd do it repeatedly, all day or night. To Jesus Christ be all the glory!
At 14:01 the idea of thankfulness interlopes with anxiety - also in Romans 1 idea of ...neither were thankful.... Romans 1:21 ....and I thought of the many blessings and joyous moments I have had . I do not focus on imperfections. Being thankful in the moment helps to make new things come to pass. I wish this was called “I am NOT Depressed”. Which would cause less anxiety ...but be as it is, I CAN be a CONQUEROR...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 09:51 am nov 15 2019. 10,116 views and 98 comments with 617 likes and 19 dislikes. This is comment 99.
Wow thanks for sharing! I was just now in a terrible scary funk just now but after watching this and reading this I now have some hope and feel better. Thanks so much God bless
Thank you for saying that it is alright for Christians to seeks a doctor's help and take medication for real depression. I know that my own experience with depression it was more then feeling sad. Not only would I would feel sad, but I would have uncontrollable crying, confusion, cloudy thinking, stomach pain, feeling helpless, thoughts of to end my life, feeling numb after hours of crying, and sleeping all the time. I do not remember a real happy day before I started taking medication. I prayed for many years for some relief. I finally took my parents advice and saw a doctor that put me on medication. In one half hour I felt a peace I have never felt before. I am now able to feel a happiness and enjoy life. I belief that this is God's answer to my prayers.
It would be very helpful to know which medication was prescribed. Was it a hormone of some kind? That would make a lot of sense. Irving Kirsch has written a book called "The Emperor's New Drugs" in which he describes how his team of researches showed that SSRI drugs prescribed for depression have no pharmaceutical effectiveness against depression at all, save for a placebo effect (which can be very strong indeed). He did not begin the research with the intent to find SSRIs to be no more effective than a placebo, but those were the results. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) changed its guidelines for treating depression based on his research. He has also given talks which can be found on UA-cam. He's a very interesting speaker. Depression can have many physical causes (just not the brain "chemical imbalance" claimed by the pharmaceutical industry and most of the psychology/psychiatry profession), such as hormone problems, nutritional deficiencies, etc., so I'm not discounting that at all. I suffered from what is commonly called "seasonal affective disorder" (S.A.D.) - a name given to winter depression and anxiety, with other accompanying symptoms - for decades (beginning around age 12) until I found that taking large doses of Vitamin D3 put me in complete remission. I tried this based on a clinical study that I discovered. It turns out that the further you go from the equator, the greater the percentage of the population experience S.A.D. It's very consistent, because it is tied to the number of hours of daylight. I hope this helps someone.
Suffered with severe depression for many (30+) years. Many times just praying that God would take my life. Sometimes contemplating suicide - though never attempted. As a young man serving God as a missionary, My life was full of joy and purpose - I had found my "niche in the Kingdom", so to speak. I wanted to live and die and be buried in my adopted homeland. Then my whole world fell apart - I can't tell you how or why. Depression hit with a vengeance. Back at "home" in my "home' church, just can't seem to find my "niche" - as one might say. Fitting in, doing what I can, just waiting and waiting and waiting, for the "door" to open .... hope deferred makes the heart sick..... Sometimes I feel lost, totally lost .... Sometimes I want to through in the towel and give up, exhausted from the fight ----but just somehow, I don't know how, I keep persevering, keep enduring. I cry, I weep, I pray, I read the Word - I hang onto the promises. Iam still in the fight - only just ar times. Somehow, God is holding onto me, His Spirit won't let me go, all Glory be to Him and Him alone. let Him who boasts, boast in the Lord.
My wife left me in April. The Sunday after Easter. Crushed me. I have been fighting the feeling of hopelessness, no self esteem, darkness sadness ext. Thank you Mike for doing this. 🙏
It's hard. My husband walked out the door when our baby was 4 months old. That was 32 years ago. I hope you will find God where you are. He's there, even when you don't feel it. The things in this video are what got me through.
I'm so sorry my friend. It hurts to be rejected. Jesus can empathize with your being rejected. He was betrayed by his friend and was rejected by the people he came to save. Be encouraged that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.
This was so good. I struggle with depression and anxiety and the last two months have been dark and I've been feeling distant from God. This message has ministered to my soul and reminded me of God's love, goodness, and faithfulness and that I can choose to praise the Lord even in the midst of the dark times. Thanks you for your teaching.
Wow. I hope you're doing well now a year later! Pray for it to stop and say enough is enough! Lol. I pray that if it be a wicked spirit than deliver me and if its my own weakness than heal me!!! Been able to get rid of some daily anxiety I had and deep depression i had in the past. But my depression has come back recently and I need help again. Gonna give it all my strength in prayer and demand my deliverance lol and I will get it!
The bible nails it once again!! Cognitive behavioral therapy has the highest rate of long-term success treating clinical depression for many people - without the risk of some meds. That technique mirrors much of what was taught here! God is so good!!!!
This is so good! I so often chastise myself for these feelings but failed to notice (until now that you mention it using psalm 42) that throughout my despair I’m holding tightly to hope in God, I pray and continually I say thank you God. I feel so relieved, because I am so tired of hearing that I have little faith or that I have unbelief. The hyper Charismatic Movement has really been detrimental in my life and I’m so grateful that I got out, their teachings were still haunting me until today- thank you for this so much
One of the best Biblical responses to depression/ anxiety that I have seen yet on UA-cam. I have dealt with this affliction for over 20 years... God bless you and thank you for this! I needed it so much. Thank you for pointing me to Jesus.
If you get this response, after 2 years, then God bless you, and I hope that your strength in God continues to grow. I am seeing a counselor, who is a pastor as well, but this teaching spoke to me more than all 8-10 sessions I've had with my counselor!!
I just started watching this video a friend sent it to me. I was just thinking this last night. That even though I'm sad or crying I'm gonna praise, worship, give thanks, and Love God.
Thanks Mike i suffer with schitzophrenia depression and anxiety. Yet God is changing me, thankyou for the blessed ministry you have. Tou encourage me to continue to look to God through Jesus strengthened by the Holy Spirit. God bless you
Thank you for your videos! Even 3 years later you make a difference in your videos Pastor Mike. This morning I felt down and did not “want” to turn to the Lord. The best I could do was type in “depressed Christian”. But this video was the first suggested for me and it was the nudge I needed to turn my entire attitude around today. Thank you for all you do.
Kevin Rider - Mike you nailed it here - 21:15 " 'My joy in the Lord' is not this ecstatic outward exuberant joy, it's more like a limiter to how low my heart goes at hard times." - I've had the same thought
2019 - Got tired of being messed about by NHS doctors so went private. Was put on a drug and within a day I started to feel better. Then as time went on I progressively felt nothing at all, no emotion what-so-ever. I stopped caring about my job and literally everything. I got sick a bit later on, came off the drug and went back to my GP who put me on another which gave me some balance but drove me to overeat. When I eventually came off this drug, after 5+ years of being away from God I felt him draw me back. It was like he was waiting for me. I promised myself that I would never go back to taking medicine for whatever's going on with me. Here I am in 2021, in a pretty rough place but I'm adament that I won't go back. The advice about being thankful is really good and I think it works. You're right - it's hard to focus on anything let alone be grateful when you're wound up and tearing yourself to pieces. But then it's hard to be anxious when you're thankful. Great stuff.
Wow, I feel you, James. Thank you for sharing this. There are definitely moments in our lives when we want to give up on everything because we are so emotionally, spiritually, and mentally exhausted but God is so faithful
Pastor Mike I am every bit as blessed as so many people have been over the past 3 years! 3 pages of notes later, I will study and pray and meditate on these words to heal myself, with the end goal to Glorify God!! God has given you an amazing gift, and I pray that your ministry grows exponentially. :)
This has been so so helpful and praise God for leading me to this session. It has been exactly what I needed as a Christian to deal with increased depression and anxiety. Beside the informative information this presentation is very professional. This does help with learning. Thank you so so much. God bless you.
Brother Mike, thank you for this video, it helped me as this week I've been really depressed. I find that I need to continually be throwing the coals of God's Word into the fire of my faith to keep me out of depression. It is not easy, but it is a matter of renewing our minds in the Word of our amazing God!
just the train analogy alone! wow. @51:30 and feeling better is NOT the goal. honoring Christ is. @52:50 This was SO KEY coming out of Word of Faith and Bethel.
This was excellent - thanks Pastor Mike! A great balance of understanding and practical tools. Most people either go too hard into “just pray your depression away” or “it’s not spiritual at all” - this was a great perspective and as someone with chronic depression I really appreciated it!
I've been listening to your channel for about a year and I just ran across this. Much needed message. I've suffered from depression for most of my life. I've gotten really good at hiding it and except those who Im really close to wouldn't believe that I have it. Most well meaning people think it's a switch you can turn on and off, a choice you can make to "not be sad", or if your really a Christian your doing something wrong if you can't give "your depression to God" and be cured. It doesn't work that way. I have a beautiful and blessed life and have no real reason for current depression. I've gone through counseling and I've finally found medication that helps stabilize me and keeps me from bottoming out. But there are still times where it kicks in and it feels like my soul is dying. The only saving grace is turning to God and his love and his word. And He is there every time to pick me up and carry me through. I've accepted it as a thorn in my side and surrounded myself with support and God's word to support me through the darker days and joy in the better days. Thank you for presenting this non judgementally and from a place of love and support. Especially considering a lot of people don't.
May God bless you and continue to lift you up! Knowing that there are so many others who have suffered with depression, to a great degree more than myself, that Paul suffered grief and near death so many times, and that Christ Himself was "...sorrowful, even into death.." (paraphrase?), makes me have NO doubt that "God's strength is magnified in my weakness"!!! Here's to being thankful in as many situations that try and derail us, as possible!!!
I know exactly how you feel. If you are already feeling down and then when you decide to open up someone just heaps on condemnation then you almost feel like it's better to just keep your thoughts to yourself. We don't need to feel down and then feel condemnation too. Hugs to you friend! You aren't alone!
This was very helpful and encouraging. I go to Psalms 103 often. All the suggestions from this episode are strong, practical reminders for helping darker, sadder times that most people experience. Thanks kindly.
The book _God's Smuggler_ had SO MANY examples of trust completely in God that I couldn't help but try to emulate it. My prayer was answered in an unmistakable way that same day! Much of my fears about uncertainty just melted away. Trusting in God is the cure for anxiety.
I was watching another video where you mentioned this video. And I was in a dark place, this helped me so much to take action during these times to praise GOD. Thank you …
Mike, did you know that 2 yrs ago when you taught this video, that GOD knew I would come across it today (July 20, 2022), and it was for me at this moment? God saw in time, that I would need to hear this. I am sure it has helped many throughout this time period, but I am taking it personally, that it was meant for me. Am I set free from my anxiety? No, but I know have the tools to make a choice and trust in GOD he hears me, my cries, and I will not go so low, that I can’t feel his presence, that I am not alone, he is there with me, speaking loudly in the spiritual realm in my behalf. And to reminder the trade off in what is to come, here now, or in everlasting with GOD one day, is much more than what I face now. This teaching is GOLD… and restored my hope. Thank you
Truly found this greatly helpful this very day. I was awake at 4am writing my prayer to God to help me choose a better path for my future. Thanks for these Scripture verses during thia season of anxiety.
I just glorify God for using you. Thank you Mike, always trying to watch your videos as much as I can...learning a lot. God bless you and everyone who are in this ministry.
Joy comes with the morning. I live with clinical depression. I think it's Psalm 30. The time aspect of my illness has a verse. Medication side affects are not tolerable for me. I have to rely on God. So this verse helps me a great deal. I can always make it to the dawn.
As much as I enjoy your apologetic videos, you have some amazing videos like these that are just very helpful for my walk right now. These videos bless me more than any other. God bless you and continue to give you His insight through the word for our generation and generations to come.
Thank you for all of the Bible studies you share, and I especially thank you for this one I came upon today. I am struggling through the sudden loss of my husband of 45 years, and through your lesson of Psalm 42 I know where to regain balance. Grieving is a journey, but life will be better. Your hard work and exhaustive research of difficult topics help so many. Please feel our appreciation.
I would recommend the Psalm 42 as sang by The Sing Team to anyone either touched by that psalm for depression, or if you are bothered by that psalm. This rendition of it has always been a favorite of mine, I would have had a lot more trouble hearing Psalm 42 without that song. The amount of times I said song and psalm just now 🤦🏼♂️
Thank you again my brother in Christ, you can not know how much God is using you to help me! I thank God for you, and your ministry! God bless you Mike Winger, and your wonder staff! I recently had an email with Sarah, and she is such a help and inspiration, and I know you appreciate her as well! I am 63 and I am learning so much from you! I have never found someone who opens my understanding of the scripture as well as you! You have such a gift of taking the time to explain your thoughts, and do it with the Love of our God as your desire.
I'm a saved believer and I've been through alot. It has been the most difficult thing to pray I have hardly done it for a while and praise. I hardly feel like doing anything, I get some kind of attacks in my sleep it's been difficult and a struggle I need prayer. I don't know, I still read the Bible.
I'm only at the beginning but it's been really helpful. As a 17 y/o going through GERD, I wonder if I'll ever come out out it and it has affected my day-to-day performance. Thank you, Mr Winger, thank you so much ❤
Hey, Mike! I was browsing youtube tonight for some help with sadness because tonight I am really feeling down. Thanks for this video. It will help me for many days to come!
I couldn't tell if the name was Brittney, but the question asking "Are you not a strong enough Christian if you have depression" thank you for asking it and thank you Mike for answering it. I've asked myself this question as well. It really helped me. Thank you. God bless.
Wow! I have encountered myself today with a lot of wisdom and blessings from the Lord through you Mike! Nobody had ever put this issue or topic the way you have and it has been such an eye opener to me and I feel so encouraged... God bless you and continue to give you wisdom to do your ministry!
Lots of good Bible references and advice. I also deal with indigestion issues and it was nice that you were transparent about that and other things as well :D
That was Wow. Thank you Mike. Praise God! "Brutal honesty tends to focus on the brutal part.. Total transparency tends to open up to insecurities.. and sometimes we hide insecurities with our anger.. " 27:35
Bless you my brother I often suffer with recurring depression. This videos has been such a resource for me over the years just reminding me to look to Christ and praise Him for all His good works in my life. It so helps just having someone to lay it all out. May God continue to Bless your ministry Mike.
Thanks, Mike Winger. I go to church and have a good gospel-preaching pastor, but you are my official internet pastor. I love your approach and your sensibility and sensitivity. God bless you enormously for your pouring out truth, and not sparing us the hard parts.
Thanks for this video. Regardless of the Christian viewpoint expressed in it, there is a lot of good advice in it that would be 100% backed up by any good counsellor or mental health professional (regardless of faith) and advice that could be followed by non believers also - for instance, the important points about 'making choices', and also how depression tempts us into 'sin' that does NOT help with depression, but instead just deepens our depression (from a non Christian position, if the word 'sin' was seen as meaning 'self destructive habits' the advice still is great advice). I would like to share my story here regarding depression & faith. I describe myself as "an agnostic who is moving back to faith". I was brought up Christian though my family weren't particularly devout. We went to church as a family when myself and my siblings were young, though in retrospect I think my parents viewed it more as a 'social' / 'community' activity. At about the age of 10, my faith just slid away, and for the last 4 decades I've called myself an 'agnostic'. I never felt fully 'atheist' though, and still retained a part of me that tentatively believed there was a 'higher power'. I just didn't KNOW what it was. Four years ago, a very traumatic event in my life threw me into an extreme depression, and I felt totally 'stuck' in it, and that it was never going to 'lift'. Then, about three months ago, through a strange set of happenings (too long to elaborate here,) I was introduced to the power of prayer,. At first, I just noticed that after praying I would have a feeling of deep happiness, and wasn't sure if this really was 'God' or just a 'placebo affect'. However, I was just grateful that I'd found something that could give me ANY happiness whatsoever (as it had been SO long since I'd even had a single 'happy moment) I pushed myself to discipline myself to pray every day (& that was hard because depression destroys motivation even for the simplest of tasks). Some days, the act of praying felt 'dry' and emotionless for me, but curiously I would always find that about 20 minutes after praying, a lovely sense of peace and calm would come over me. On other days, the praying felt very deep and profound, and one day while praying I found myself crying and 'letting go' of a huge amount of emotional pain I'd stored up. I felt a huge urge to read The Bible, and went out and bought one (KJV). I've been trying to discipline myself to read a little every day. Depression had demolished my concentration. Prior to the depression I was an avid reader, but all through the depression I read nothing whatsoever. I started watching Christian videos on UA-cam to help with my understanding of The Bible (& this channel is especially helpful). About two months ago, I was passing my local Anglican church, and realised I'd never really seen it (it's up a driveway, and hidden a bit by trees). I was bowled over by how beautiful it was (a lovely Victorian era church built in the gothic style). I found it had a little garden at the back with benches, so I disciplined myself to go there every day and pray in the garden. After a few weeks of doing this, I started going to the church services twice a week, and this has been LOVELY for me. Depression had made me cut myself off from the world, so the mere act of going into any 'social' space was at first really challenging for me. The congregation is really small (Sunday mornings they only get about 12 - 15 people) so everybody gets to know each other really well, especially as there is an hour of 'socialising' afterwards with cups of coffee etc. Despite all these Christian activities I have mentioned here (praying, reading The Bible, going to church) I still don't know if I'm a 'believer' or not. This is why I describe myself as 'an agnostic moving back to faith'. However, what I DO know is that I'm the CLOSEST to faith that I've been in four decades, and there have been some points at which I'm 'almost' there. As regards the depression it hasn't fully gone away, but it has lifted SO MUCH in such a short space of time that it seems like a 'miracle'. Since this little 'spiritual voyage' started three months ago, I have had some days where I cannot believe how happy I have felt.
Todays is July 20, 2022. I so needed to watch your teaching here. I feel I can take a deep breath, and continue in my faith choosing the tools to see clearly. Thank you Mike for your teachings. God is using you in a mighty way.
Hi Mike. You are an excellent teacher and I love all of your videos. I plan on doing a study of the Psalms with this subject in mind. Although I don’t have depression at this time, I want to be prepared since we all go through this to some degree or another. Thank you!
Will and choice are gifts of God, as are the psalms and you dear brother in Christ. This welcome meditation like prayer is for our benefit and the way God has chosen to lead us out of being cast down. Thanks so very much brother Mike for this timely reminder. For all God's blessedness which is daily ours to be taken by faith keeps us from falling into a pit of pity, we remember with a growing sense of joy. God bless.
Great content. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the warning of 'expressing anger toward God' starting at 23:48 and the 'brutally honest' discussion at 27:08. Getting 'in the flesh toward God' is a great way to word it (James 1:20). One thing that I've learned, and am still learning, is that our self centered inclination "I want the world to revolve around me and go my way' comes clearly into focus during episodes when anger is rising up. Keep up the publishing of great content Mike. Appreciate your ministry greatly.
Thank you so much Mike. Your ministry is a blessing. Biblical thinking is not common enough in the Christian community these days. God bless you and your ministry.
I have clinical depression and social anxiety, and sometimes the sadness comes across as cynicism, so I think to myself God is the only one who loves me in a jaded cliche way. But really thinking about it, if God, the absolute creator of the universe, loves *me*, with all my (well-attested by myself) faults and insecurities, what else could I possibly ask for? I don't even have the right to ask for anything else. That's more than enough.
Thank you and God bless you for covering this! I’ve had depression and suicidal thoughts for a long time but since I accepted Jesus my episodes are a lot shorter and not as deep praise God! Psalms are such a comfort to me and when you said times are hard but I focus of God and character is such a help!
I can't explain how much I appreciate your video brother. This encouragment and teaching from God's word in this subject just fills my heart, and I am thankful to God for you brother. I pray God fills you with blessings for being obedient and being a faithful teacher of His Word. I hope to meet you in person one day and just give you a great big hug. Thanks again and keep up the good work and fight for the faith.
Laura Kakoschke thanks “ giving thanks to God the Father”. How was Friday the 13th. .? In Calgary was cold. Colossians 3:17 ...ha. 3:18.....do everything for God Your walking on the beach....how do you everything for the Lord. PTL ....even in relaxing and goofing off time ...chill From Charlie G 81......haha...mental illness.... I love his videos... What church do you attend in Edmonton? Do you know Brian Sumner ?
Excellent content. I want to say though that we should be very wary of receiving counseling from non Christian psychologists since their worldview is so vastly different than that of a believer.
That's true. If you look at the ADD material online like "additude" they break out into spiel about gender identity and other crazy leftist/satanic stuff like that.
Their professional basis is to not bring their own worldview into the conversation, but to draw out and help you process your own views, and yes that may mean questioning - ie self loathing - why do you think that, when did you start thinking like that (others told you, bulied etc), and challenge whether that is a true view. That type of thing. If they belittle your faith view or enforce their own they can be reported to professional standards organisations (that includes christian counsellors to non christian clients unless specifically advertised as Christian so person knows what signing up for). It can help to not have to explain something from scratch if both coming from same pov but as Christian views vary a lot it is possible to have a christian cousellor who is less supportive of your faith position than a non believer who complies with the neutral position
I have noticed that walking and singing helps me out of depression, but the trouble is... when you are down it's about impossible to get out and take a walk. ....Your point about being tempted to sit and stew in it. Yes, that is true.
Kevin Rider - I like what you said on 5:14 about 'the feeling is not even there' but you can put your hope in God. A lot of pastors will say happy is a feeling but joy is placed so that you will always have joy and this has really bothered me for a long time. I remember when I was working with a guy starting out in a technical field that I was having to learn from that was tearing me down while living in a volatile alcoholic home - I had joy as I read through His Word - and once we were in the work truck and he was tearing me down and I was trying to think why this was still bothering me. I knew my value in Christ and knew this guy was in the wrong, I was reading the Bible a lot and I could sense the Holy Spirit working in my life but this would bother me and I felt I should be at a place where it shouldn't bother me - but as I was thinking 'why' - the thought came - because it's sin. Sin is going to affect us to some degree and that is sin and that is why God hates it so much. I find it interesting that Paul talks about faith, hope, and love and I can see these 3 as constants that we can always have in any situation, but he does not mention joy with these - to me because it is not a constant - even though I agree with the mindset you can have joy in the darkest of situations - but not constantly. I could have joy when I was able to get away in the thoughts of God's Word and reading His Word while dealing with these things during this period but there was also how this sin was legitimately affecting me - which I find a lot of pastors play down and put it all on the broken individual - this mindset among Christians is what has had the most long lasting affect on me.
Mike. Thankyou so much for sharing this message. This helped me more than you know. In fact, i have been struggling with depression for a while now and a reoccurring circumstance came up that I felt helpless, and frustrated with, not knowing how to respond or articulate the situation. I was was praying, and your name came to mind and brought me here. This message was exactly what I needed to hear about God’s goodness and faithfulness, and regardless how we fee about his presence while working in our circumstances. Thankyou for sharing scripture and wisdom.
Mike I’m so grateful for all your videos, but that you thought to do a video over this! Sometimes this will be a topic no one wants to talk about but I’m so glad you did. It definitely gave me tools to use and a biblical way to look at depression/sadness. Thank you
I am watching this during a serious deep circumstantial depression. I am a manager at my work, and had to make a critical review on an employee whom I have acquired a relationship with. I imagine this is going to hurt her, and this has caused me great anxiety and depression. While I know I have to do what is best for the company as a whole, my heart is filled with compassion for this woman. I love what you said Mike about persevering through and not "shirking responsibilities". The last thing I want to do is go to work right now.
I gotta be honest, I loved and needed this video. I really hope people get help though, for real physical (because it is physical, your brain has neurotransmitters and it's an organ made of matter) depression and anxiety too. Medication or natural medicines (by naturals I do mean, yes, even microdosing psilocybin if it's legal where you are) can be incredibly helpful and there's no shame in that. Lord knows alcohol can be deadly, but Paul told Tim to "take a little wine for his stomach", and I think the same principle applies here ("a little"). SSRIs really help people too, and so does ashwagandah (sp?) and Saint John's wort. So definitely see someone if you feel that there's a medical issue. People who are clinically depressed seem to get spiritually attacked too, at least in terms of mood. Maybe not everyone...but admit that I do ❤ The video was awesome, I just felt like I needed to share that. God uses medicine too!
I do take medicine for anxiety and depression (plants, and I have a real interest in natural therapies), but this all helps so much, thank you! I think of joy like this, but with the addition of also not feeling too elated or unhinged. It's like joy also keeps you insulated and not too invested in stuff when it's all good, because we know this life ends and it's all temporary anyway. I love that because I don't want to become overly ecstatic or happy when things are good, I don't think that's wise either. Our real life is after this earthly one ceases, so who really can put too much stock in this?
My loneliness these past few days was because I liked a girl that was an atheist. Huge mistake. Note to Christians, don’t pursue romantic relationships with non believers. They do not know God, and they don’t actually care about you. At least, that’s how it feels. Pretty sure that’s true. A real Christian would never leave someone hanging in pain... especially when they know them. I think God is showing me, that unless the woman is already a strong believer, it is futile to even consider a relationship with a non believer. This video is helping me, thank you Mike. I’m thanking God I’m not returning to sin, temptation has been strong. But the Lord has given me the strength to overcome it.
I really appreciate all you’ve been doing on many of your videos, this one in particular. I really like how you alluded to depression/depressive episodes may increase vulnerability to sin, perhaps I might say comparable to hunger with Jesus in the desert (and whatever else he was feeling after being alone in the desert for over a month), hunger being a state which wasn’t sinful but created an opportunity for potential vulnerability. Just wanted to say thanks for bringing clarity to so many issues.
At 30:35 Mike says be in the presence of God, a forest/heath is a good place to be in the presence of God. Three times in the last several months trees have shaken/moved one of their branches at me. And on another day trees made rustling noises at me on two occasions. I enjoy being in the presence of God.
Man that's epic, I really just pray God gets you through these moments where the world is throwing evil in your face and I pray you are encouraged to keep a steadfast stance again the battles, knowing you are a forerunner for Christ.
1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us that godliness is better than physical training but it does say that there is some value in exercise. I tossed on an extra 20-30 minutes to my morning routine to hit the weights/treadmill and it significantly reduced my stress and anxiety during my workday. Just a little unsolicited advice for someone who may be going through the same thing.
This came to me at the perfect time. Of all the videos to show up in my feed, this year old video showed up and was exactly what I needed to see. Thank you, God. Thank you, Mike for this video. God bless you.
“Prayer is not a quick fix”…. I so needed to hear that! My prayer life has been suffering because I’ve become impatient with God.
"Some people feel guilty about their anxieties and regard them as a defect of faith but they are afflictions, not sins. Like all afflictions, they are, if we can so take them, our share in the passion of Christ."-CS Lewis
Thanks 😊
I dont understand the pain in my life. Wanted to be a christian and be in prayer with christians all my days yet fear and embarrasment and shame have held me in lonliness
@@pauleng883 confession and accountability are good. These are gifts, not burdens. It’s simple: you tell them (Christians) what you’ve type and have the subsequent conversation and prayer.
I remember confessing to my small group that I was leading my sins as I was going thru it (as opposed to after the fact/once I think I’m done). Don’t think about them and their responses but rather the relationship of your own soul with Christ. I visibly shook while I did it but was comforted by God right in the middle of it. It shattered all images and idols I wanted up of myself-as the pursuit of Christ will do inevitably haha
@@pauleng883 I’ll be praying for you. Do the same for me.
@@pauleng883 Sounds like you're lonely and want connection and community, not specifically Christianity.
Speaking from my own personal experience, I went through the last 5 years of my life going from mildly to severely depressed and all in between. I understand others may have a chemical imbalance so it may be different, but once I recommitted my life to Christ my whole mood and attitude has changed. I actually have HOPE for my future and I have begun to pick up my cross daily and walk in gratitude for what Jesus did for me. God wasn't kidding when He tells us that if we give it ALL to Him, that we will be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of our minds. Does this mean I never get sad anymore, absolutely not. But my focus is no longer on my sadness. It is on the ultimate truths that God has given us as His children (like who I am in Christ, the gospel, and trusting that God works all things together for our good). Changing my mindset was not easy, definitely one of the hardest things for me to do, but when you take captive every thought that is a vain imagination and counteract it with God's truths, then wow. Your life truly begins to change for the better, because your identity is lying in Christ.
Thanks Pastor Mike for this great live stream, I always enjoy your content!
Jessi Jack awesome 💕
Beautifully said🙏🏾
There's no such thing as a chemical imbalance. It's natural to be depressed at times,it drives us to God.
@@Jason-cn5vo it did me!
Thank you for sharing, Jessi. I have tears in my eyes because just 20 minutes ago, I prayed to God because I have felt sad and depressed over the last few days and wondered where God's spirit was. Whay was I sad. I told God I was still here and thanked him for being there, even though I was distant. I prayed for his strength and to pour his love into my heart so I could give that love to others. I prayed for him to help me see others and to stop focusing on myself and my sadness.
And my prayer brought me to this page. To this comment. God is amazing. You are amazing Jessi. God bless you and everyone!
In times when i feel overwhelmed with anixiety or sadness, i pray
"Thank You Lord, that no matter how i feel, You have got this!"
God is bigger than my feelings, which often lie to me.
And that our faith should not be based on how we feel, but on the Word of God. Feelings are fickle & are not necessarily based on truth. God’s Word is truth, & it never changes.
It's good to sometimes think about the Hereafter (Heaven) because it gives you hope, gets you through the hard times.
I figured out my trigger for depression and haven't been depressed ever since. My trigger was feeling sorry for myself. I just don't let myself go there. Sometimes even be saying "no" out loud. Now each morning I wake up, I feel an inner Joy that only the Lord can give.
A thing that I’ve noticed is that sometimes, when I feel depressed, it’s almost as if I enjoy being depressed. Like I don’t want to feel better and I deserve this little pity party I’m throwing for myself. It’s a really toxic place to be in and also a way depression can lead one to sin.
That is a very brave thing to say. In John 5 Jesus asks the man at the Pool of Bethesda if he wanted to get well. Because once he was well he would have to get a job, and would have a different identity, he would get out of his comfort zone and no longer receive pity. In my experience we can start where we are at and ask God to help us want to change
not everyone with major depressive disorder has this same feeling of wanting to be depressed
Being depressed is strangely addicting. It's weird. I think I tend to make it my identity. I hadn't thought about it in those terms until I read your comment.
@@Zanroff yep, I totally agree
I have found myself considering these same thoughts. I'm diagnosed bi-polar. I have struggled with this. How much is biological or chemical, how much is situational or environmental, how much is emotional or psychological? I am thinking it is all of these. I just know that my only hope is in God in Christ.
Wonderful video, Mike!
I have dealt with depression on and off for many years. I have found that devouring the book of Psalms (over and over again) is a big help. Cry those verses and promises to God.
Also, getting your focus off yourself and helping others, even when you don't feel like it, especially when you don't feel good, does wonders for your outlook and moods.
The old adage about counting your blessings is true. I can remember many times just trying to recite all the multitude of good things God has done for me, and I'd do it repeatedly, all day or night.
To Jesus Christ be all the glory!
Busy Bee psalm 119 is good..
It sure is, Bill! I love it!
Busy Bee thanks for sharing, your comment was helpful 😊
At 14:01 the idea of thankfulness interlopes with anxiety - also in Romans 1 idea of ...neither were thankful.... Romans 1:21 ....and I thought of the many blessings and joyous moments I have had . I do not focus on imperfections. Being thankful in the moment helps to make new things come to pass. I wish this was called “I am NOT Depressed”. Which would cause less anxiety ...but be as it is, I CAN be a CONQUEROR...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
09:51 am nov 15 2019. 10,116 views and 98 comments with 617 likes and 19 dislikes.
This is comment 99.
Wow thanks for sharing! I was just now in a terrible scary funk just now but after watching this and reading this I now have some hope and feel better. Thanks so much God bless
Thank you for saying that it is alright for Christians to seeks a doctor's help and take medication for real depression. I know that my own experience with depression it was more then feeling sad. Not only would I would feel sad, but I would have uncontrollable crying, confusion, cloudy thinking, stomach pain, feeling helpless, thoughts of to end my life, feeling numb after hours of crying, and sleeping all the time. I do not remember a real happy day before I started taking medication. I prayed for many years for some relief. I finally took my parents advice and saw a doctor that put me on medication. In one half hour I felt a peace I have never felt before. I am now able to feel a happiness and enjoy life. I belief that this is God's answer to my prayers.
Thank you for sharing this.
My experience was similar.
What did the doctor prescribe?
It would be very helpful to know which medication was prescribed. Was it a hormone of some kind? That would make a lot of sense. Irving Kirsch has written a book called "The Emperor's New Drugs" in which he describes how his team of researches showed that SSRI drugs prescribed for depression have no pharmaceutical effectiveness against depression at all, save for a placebo effect (which can be very strong indeed). He did not begin the research with the intent to find SSRIs to be no more effective than a placebo, but those were the results. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) changed its guidelines for treating depression based on his research. He has also given talks which can be found on UA-cam. He's a very interesting speaker. Depression can have many physical causes (just not the brain "chemical imbalance" claimed by the pharmaceutical industry and most of the psychology/psychiatry profession), such as hormone problems, nutritional deficiencies, etc., so I'm not discounting that at all. I suffered from what is commonly called "seasonal affective disorder" (S.A.D.) - a name given to winter depression and anxiety, with other accompanying symptoms - for decades (beginning around age 12) until I found that taking large doses of Vitamin D3 put me in complete remission. I tried this based on a clinical study that I discovered. It turns out that the further you go from the equator, the greater the percentage of the population experience S.A.D. It's very consistent, because it is tied to the number of hours of daylight. I hope this helps someone.
Suffered with severe depression for many (30+) years. Many times just praying that God would take my life. Sometimes contemplating suicide - though never attempted. As a young man serving God as a missionary, My life was full of joy and purpose - I had found my "niche in the Kingdom", so to speak. I wanted to live and die and be buried in my adopted homeland. Then my whole world fell apart - I can't tell you how or why. Depression hit with a vengeance. Back at "home" in my "home' church, just can't seem to find my "niche" - as one might say. Fitting in, doing what I can, just waiting and waiting and waiting, for the "door" to open .... hope deferred makes the heart sick..... Sometimes I feel lost, totally lost .... Sometimes I want to through in the towel and give up, exhausted from the fight ----but just somehow, I don't know how, I keep persevering, keep enduring. I cry, I weep, I pray, I read the Word - I hang onto the promises. Iam still in the fight - only just ar times. Somehow, God is holding onto me, His Spirit won't let me go, all Glory be to Him and Him alone. let Him who boasts, boast in the Lord.
My wife left me in April. The Sunday after Easter. Crushed me. I have been fighting the feeling of hopelessness, no self esteem, darkness sadness ext. Thank you Mike for doing this. 🙏
It's hard. My husband walked out the door when our baby was 4 months old. That was 32 years ago. I hope you will find God where you are. He's there, even when you don't feel it. The things in this video are what got me through.
@winniecash1654 bit lonely but mostly okay. Thank you Winnie
@@jawmedia7575 I understand.
I'm so sorry my friend. It hurts to be rejected. Jesus can empathize with your being rejected. He was betrayed by his friend and was rejected by the people he came to save. Be encouraged that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.
This was so good. I struggle with depression and anxiety and the last two months have been dark and I've been feeling distant from God. This message has ministered to my soul and reminded me of God's love, goodness, and faithfulness and that I can choose to praise the Lord even in the midst of the dark times. Thanks you for your teaching.
Wow. I hope you're doing well now a year later! Pray for it to stop and say enough is enough! Lol. I pray that if it be a wicked spirit than deliver me and if its my own weakness than heal me!!! Been able to get rid of some daily anxiety I had and deep depression i had in the past. But my depression has come back recently and I need help again. Gonna give it all my strength in prayer and demand my deliverance lol and I will get it!
The bible nails it once again!! Cognitive behavioral therapy has the highest rate of long-term success treating clinical depression for many people - without the risk of some meds. That technique mirrors much of what was taught here! God is so good!!!!
I have a Schizoaffective disorder and find myself depressed a lot. This is really helpful, thank you so much
I hope you're doing well these days.
This is so good! I so often chastise myself for these feelings but failed to notice (until now that you mention it using psalm 42) that throughout my despair I’m holding tightly to hope in God, I pray and continually I say thank you God. I feel so relieved, because I am so tired of hearing that I have little faith or that I have unbelief. The hyper Charismatic Movement has really been detrimental in my life and I’m so grateful that I got out, their teachings were still haunting me until today- thank you for this so much
Thank you for giving specific verses to read instead of just saying “Just pray and read the Bible.” These Psalms and verses really helped me.
One of the best Biblical responses to depression/ anxiety that I have seen yet on UA-cam. I have dealt with this affliction for over 20 years... God bless you and thank you for this! I needed it so much. Thank you for pointing me to Jesus.
If you get this response, after 2 years, then God bless you, and I hope that your strength in God continues to grow. I am seeing a counselor, who is a pastor as well, but this teaching spoke to me more than all 8-10 sessions I've had with my counselor!!
Thank you so much for this message! This is something I struggle with every day and you don't often hear what to do from a biblical perspective.
I hope you're doing better now.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3 KJV
I just started watching this video a friend sent it to me. I was just thinking this last night. That even though I'm sad or crying I'm gonna praise, worship, give thanks, and Love God.
God send teaching for me at the perfect time. He is faithful!!! Thank you pastor Mike
Thanks Pastor Mike. Going through stuff and instead of drinking, I turned to your biblical lessons in this area.
Thanks Mike i suffer with schitzophrenia depression and anxiety. Yet God is changing me, thankyou for the blessed ministry you have. Tou encourage me to continue to look to God through Jesus strengthened by the Holy Spirit. God bless you
Thank you for your videos! Even 3 years later you make a difference in your videos Pastor Mike. This morning I felt down and did not “want” to turn to the Lord. The best I could do was type in “depressed Christian”. But this video was the first suggested for me and it was the nudge I needed to turn my entire attitude around today. Thank you for all you do.
I've heard sayings like "don't let the devil steal your joy" so this is very comforting to hear.
Kevin Rider - Mike you nailed it here - 21:15 " 'My joy in the Lord' is not this ecstatic outward exuberant joy, it's more like a limiter to how low my heart goes at hard times." - I've had the same thought
2019 - Got tired of being messed about by NHS doctors so went private. Was put on a drug and within a day I started to feel better. Then as time went on I progressively felt nothing at all, no emotion what-so-ever. I stopped caring about my job and literally everything. I got sick a bit later on, came off the drug and went back to my GP who put me on another which gave me some balance but drove me to overeat. When I eventually came off this drug, after 5+ years of being away from God I felt him draw me back. It was like he was waiting for me. I promised myself that I would never go back to taking medicine for whatever's going on with me. Here I am in 2021, in a pretty rough place but I'm adament that I won't go back. The advice about being thankful is really good and I think it works. You're right - it's hard to focus on anything let alone be grateful when you're wound up and tearing yourself to pieces. But then it's hard to be anxious when you're thankful. Great stuff.
Wow, I feel you, James. Thank you for sharing this. There are definitely moments in our lives when we want to give up on everything because we are so emotionally, spiritually, and mentally exhausted but God is so faithful
Pastor Mike I am every bit as blessed as so many people have been over the past 3 years! 3 pages of notes later, I will study and pray and meditate on these words to heal myself, with the end goal to Glorify God!! God has given you an amazing gift, and I pray that your ministry grows exponentially. :)
This has been so so helpful and praise God for leading me to this session.
It has been exactly what I needed as a Christian to deal with increased depression and anxiety.
Beside the informative information this presentation is very professional. This does help with learning.
Thank you so so much. God bless you.
Brother Mike, thank you for this video, it helped me as this week I've been really depressed. I find that I need to continually be throwing the coals of God's Word into the fire of my faith to keep me out of depression. It is not easy, but it is a matter of renewing our minds in the Word of our amazing God!
just the train analogy alone! wow. @51:30 and feeling better is NOT the goal. honoring Christ is. @52:50 This was SO KEY coming out of Word of Faith and Bethel.
This was excellent - thanks Pastor Mike! A great balance of understanding and practical tools. Most people either go too hard into “just pray your depression away” or “it’s not spiritual at all” - this was a great perspective and as someone with chronic depression I really appreciated it!
I really enjoyed this so much. Thank you for doing this , my daughter has struggled with anxiety and im going to share this with her.
I've been listening to your channel for about a year and I just ran across this. Much needed message. I've suffered from depression for most of my life. I've gotten really good at hiding it and except those who Im really close to wouldn't believe that I have it. Most well meaning people think it's a switch you can turn on and off, a choice you can make to "not be sad", or if your really a Christian your doing something wrong if you can't give "your depression to God" and be cured. It doesn't work that way. I have a beautiful and blessed life and have no real reason for current depression. I've gone through counseling and I've finally found medication that helps stabilize me and keeps me from bottoming out. But there are still times where it kicks in and it feels like my soul is dying. The only saving grace is turning to God and his love and his word. And He is there every time to pick me up and carry me through. I've accepted it as a thorn in my side and surrounded myself with support and God's word to support me through the darker days and joy in the better days. Thank you for presenting this non judgementally and from a place of love and support. Especially considering a lot of people don't.
May God bless you and continue to lift you up! Knowing that there are so many others who have suffered with depression, to a great degree more than myself, that Paul suffered grief and near death so many times, and that Christ Himself was "...sorrowful, even into death.." (paraphrase?), makes me have NO doubt that "God's strength is magnified in my weakness"!!! Here's to being thankful in as many situations that try and derail us, as possible!!!
I know exactly how you feel. If you are already feeling down and then when you decide to open up someone just heaps on condemnation then you almost feel like it's better to just keep your thoughts to yourself. We don't need to feel down and then feel condemnation too. Hugs to you friend! You aren't alone!
Now that I know how you feel about cats, I can trust everything you say from this point forward. 😉
Amen amen
That is do true!
🤣
😂
this is ALMOST good enough criteria for you to be considered a Berean 😂
This was very helpful and encouraging. I go to Psalms 103 often. All the suggestions from this episode are strong, practical reminders for helping darker, sadder times that most people experience. Thanks kindly.
I really needed this, thank you
The book _God's Smuggler_ had SO MANY examples of trust completely in God that I couldn't help but try to emulate it. My prayer was answered in an unmistakable way that same day! Much of my fears about uncertainty just melted away. Trusting in God is the cure for anxiety.
I was watching another video where you mentioned this video. And I was in a dark place, this helped me so much to take action during these times to praise GOD. Thank you …
Mike, did you know that 2 yrs ago when you taught this video, that GOD knew I would come across it today (July 20, 2022), and it was for me at this moment? God saw in time, that I would need to hear this. I am sure it has helped many throughout this time period, but I am taking it personally, that it was meant for me. Am I set free from my anxiety? No, but I know have the tools to make a choice and trust in GOD he hears me, my cries, and I will not go so low, that I can’t feel his presence, that I am not alone, he is there with me, speaking loudly in the spiritual realm in my behalf. And to reminder the trade off in what is to come, here now, or in everlasting with GOD one day, is much more than what I face now. This teaching is GOLD… and restored my hope. Thank you
Truly found this greatly helpful this very day. I was awake at 4am writing my prayer to God to help me choose a better path for my future. Thanks for these Scripture verses during thia season of anxiety.
I just glorify God for using you. Thank you Mike, always trying to watch your videos as much as I can...learning a lot. God bless you and everyone who are in this ministry.
Joy comes with the morning. I live with clinical depression. I think it's Psalm 30. The time aspect of my illness has a verse. Medication side affects are not tolerable for me. I have to rely on God. So this verse helps me a great deal. I can always make it to the dawn.
Was a few weeks out from proposing.
She called things off today.
Thanks for this brother.
Christ be glorified.
I'm sorry my friend. I hope you are experiencing his healing now.
Things worked out.
As much as I enjoy your apologetic videos, you have some amazing videos like these that are just very helpful for my walk right now. These videos bless me more than any other. God bless you and continue to give you His insight through the word for our generation and generations to come.
Thank you for all of the Bible studies you share, and I especially thank you for this one I came upon today. I am struggling through the sudden loss of my husband of 45 years, and through your lesson of Psalm 42 I know where to regain balance. Grieving is a journey, but life will be better. Your hard work and exhaustive research of difficult topics help so many. Please feel our appreciation.
May God give you much peace and grace!
I would recommend the Psalm 42 as sang by The Sing Team to anyone either touched by that psalm for depression, or if you are bothered by that psalm. This rendition of it has always been a favorite of mine, I would have had a lot more trouble hearing Psalm 42 without that song.
The amount of times I said song and psalm just now 🤦🏼♂️
Still an amazing and encouraging video 4 years later. Thank you.
I wanted to share how much these videos has helped draw me closer to God in life's challenges. I needed this today. Thank you for your ministry.
Thank you again my brother in Christ, you can not know how much God is using you to help me! I thank God for you, and your ministry! God bless you Mike Winger, and your wonder staff! I recently had an email with Sarah, and she is such a help and inspiration, and I know you appreciate her as well! I am 63 and I am learning so much from you! I have never found someone who opens my understanding of the scripture as well as you! You have such a gift of taking the time to explain your thoughts, and do it with the Love of our God as your desire.
Thank you Mike for this superb podcast! I have forwarded this to others - it is a blessing!
Needed to hear this. Thank you God! Also I wanted to personally thank you Pastor Mike for your videos and efforts.
I'm a saved believer and I've been through alot. It has been the most difficult thing to pray I have hardly done it for a while and praise. I hardly feel like doing anything, I get some kind of attacks in my sleep it's been difficult and a struggle I need prayer. I don't know, I still read the Bible.
Soooooo much wisdom in the statements at 52:00. Thank you Pastor Mike. I really needed this today.
I'm only at the beginning but it's been really helpful. As a 17 y/o going through GERD, I wonder if I'll ever come out out it and it has affected my day-to-day performance. Thank you, Mr Winger, thank you so much ❤
I wish I had been smart enough at 17 to listen to this!! God bless!!🙏
Hey, Mike! I was browsing youtube tonight for some help with sadness because tonight I am really feeling down. Thanks for this video. It will help me for many days to come!
I couldn't tell if the name was Brittney, but the question asking "Are you not a strong enough Christian if you have depression" thank you for asking it and thank you Mike for answering it. I've asked myself this question as well. It really helped me. Thank you. God bless.
Wow! I have encountered myself today with a lot of wisdom and blessings from the Lord through you Mike! Nobody had ever put this issue or topic the way you have and it has been such an eye opener to me and I feel so encouraged... God bless you and continue to give you wisdom to do your ministry!
5 mins in and you've already helped me exponentially
Lots of good Bible references and advice. I also deal with indigestion issues and it was nice that you were transparent about that and other things as well :D
That was Wow. Thank you Mike. Praise God!
"Brutal honesty tends to focus on the brutal part.. Total transparency tends to open up to insecurities.. and sometimes we hide insecurities with our anger.. " 27:35
Bless you my brother I often suffer with recurring depression. This videos has been such a resource for me over the years just reminding me to look to Christ and praise Him for all His good works in my life. It so helps just having someone to lay it all out. May God continue to Bless your ministry Mike.
Mike your guidance to Christ helps my depression.
Thanks, Mike Winger. I go to church and have a good gospel-preaching pastor, but you are my official internet pastor. I love your approach and your sensibility and sensitivity. God bless you enormously for your pouring out truth, and not sparing us the hard parts.
Thanks for this video. Regardless of the Christian viewpoint expressed in it, there is a lot of good advice in it that would be 100% backed up by any good counsellor or mental health professional (regardless of faith) and advice that could be followed by non believers also - for instance, the important points about 'making choices', and also how depression tempts us into 'sin' that does NOT help with depression, but instead just deepens our depression (from a non Christian position, if the word 'sin' was seen as meaning 'self destructive habits' the advice still is great advice).
I would like to share my story here regarding depression & faith. I describe myself as "an agnostic who is moving back to faith". I was brought up Christian though my family weren't particularly devout. We went to church as a family when myself and my siblings were young, though in retrospect I think my parents viewed it more as a 'social' / 'community' activity.
At about the age of 10, my faith just slid away, and for the last 4 decades I've called myself an 'agnostic'. I never felt fully 'atheist' though, and still retained a part of me that tentatively believed there was a 'higher power'. I just didn't KNOW what it was.
Four years ago, a very traumatic event in my life threw me into an extreme depression, and I felt totally 'stuck' in it, and that it was never going to 'lift'.
Then, about three months ago, through a strange set of happenings (too long to elaborate here,) I was introduced to the power of prayer,. At first, I just noticed that after praying I would have a feeling of deep happiness, and wasn't sure if this really was 'God' or just a 'placebo affect'. However, I was just grateful that I'd found something that could give me ANY happiness whatsoever (as it had been SO long since I'd even had a single 'happy moment) I pushed myself to discipline myself to pray every day (& that was hard because depression destroys motivation even for the simplest of tasks). Some days, the act of praying felt 'dry' and emotionless for me, but curiously I would always find that about 20 minutes after praying, a lovely sense of peace and calm would come over me. On other days, the praying felt very deep and profound, and one day while praying I found myself crying and 'letting go' of a huge amount of emotional pain I'd stored up.
I felt a huge urge to read The Bible, and went out and bought one (KJV). I've been trying to discipline myself to read a little every day. Depression had demolished my concentration. Prior to the depression I was an avid reader, but all through the depression I read nothing whatsoever. I started watching Christian videos on UA-cam to help with my understanding of The Bible (& this channel is especially helpful).
About two months ago, I was passing my local Anglican church, and realised I'd never really seen it (it's up a driveway, and hidden a bit by trees). I was bowled over by how beautiful it was (a lovely Victorian era church built in the gothic style). I found it had a little garden at the back with benches, so I disciplined myself to go there every day and pray in the garden. After a few weeks of doing this, I started going to the church services twice a week, and this has been LOVELY for me. Depression had made me cut myself off from the world, so the mere act of going into any 'social' space was at first really challenging for me. The congregation is really small (Sunday mornings they only get about 12 - 15 people) so everybody gets to know each other really well, especially as there is an hour of 'socialising' afterwards with cups of coffee etc.
Despite all these Christian activities I have mentioned here (praying, reading The Bible, going to church) I still don't know if I'm a 'believer' or not. This is why I describe myself as 'an agnostic moving back to faith'. However, what I DO know is that I'm the CLOSEST to faith that I've been in four decades, and there have been some points at which I'm 'almost' there.
As regards the depression it hasn't fully gone away, but it has lifted SO MUCH in such a short space of time that it seems like a 'miracle'. Since this little 'spiritual voyage' started three months ago, I have had some days where I cannot believe how happy I have felt.
Keep it up if it helps there's no need to stop :)
I have a family member struggling with these. The study is incredibly helpful.... Will be sharing it today!!
Todays is July 20, 2022. I so needed to watch your teaching here. I feel I can take a deep breath, and continue in my faith choosing the tools to see clearly. Thank you Mike for your teachings. God is using you in a mighty way.
Hi Mike. You are an excellent teacher and I love all of your videos. I plan on doing a study of the Psalms with this subject in mind. Although I don’t have depression at this time, I want to be prepared since we all go through this to some degree or another. Thank you!
Will and choice are gifts of God, as are the psalms and you dear brother in Christ. This welcome meditation like prayer is for our benefit and the way God has chosen to lead us out of being cast down. Thanks so very much brother Mike for this timely reminder. For all God's blessedness which is daily ours to be taken by faith keeps us from falling into a pit of pity, we remember with a growing sense of joy. God bless.
Great content. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the warning of 'expressing anger toward God' starting at 23:48 and the 'brutally honest' discussion at 27:08. Getting 'in the flesh toward God' is a great way to word it (James 1:20). One thing that I've learned, and am still learning, is that our self centered inclination "I want the world to revolve around me and go my way' comes clearly into focus during episodes when anger is rising up. Keep up the publishing of great content Mike. Appreciate your ministry greatly.
Thank you so much Mike. Your ministry is a blessing. Biblical thinking is not common enough in the Christian community these days. God bless you and your ministry.
I have clinical depression and social anxiety, and sometimes the sadness comes across as cynicism, so I think to myself God is the only one who loves me in a jaded cliche way.
But really thinking about it, if God, the absolute creator of the universe, loves *me*, with all my (well-attested by myself) faults and insecurities, what else could I possibly ask for?
I don't even have the right to ask for anything else. That's more than enough.
I have both of those diagnoses as well. It's a tough walk.
Thank you and God bless you for covering this! I’ve had depression and suicidal thoughts for a long time but since I accepted Jesus my episodes are a lot shorter and not as deep praise God! Psalms are such a comfort to me and when you said times are hard but I focus of God and character is such a help!
I can't explain how much I appreciate your video brother. This encouragment and teaching from God's word in this subject just fills my heart, and I am thankful to God for you brother. I pray God fills you with blessings for being obedient and being a faithful teacher of His Word. I hope to meet you in person one day and just give you a great big hug. Thanks again and keep up the good work and fight for the faith.
Thank you. Sometimes it’s a real struggle.
thanks from Canada Mike! just found your videos & started watching. I love that you rightly divide the word.(God does too...you're feeding His sheep)
thomas b me too. Calgary
Bill Hildebrand
Edmonton!!! 😄
Laura Kakoschke thanks “ giving thanks to God the Father”. How was Friday the 13th. .? In Calgary was cold.
Colossians 3:17 ...ha. 3:18.....do everything for God
Your walking on the beach....how do you everything for the Lord.
PTL ....even in relaxing and goofing off time ...chill
From Charlie G 81......haha...mental illness....
I love his videos...
What church do you attend in Edmonton?
Do you know Brian Sumner ?
thomas b what part of Canada? I’m Calgary..
I can’t get enough of Mike, Thomas b thanks for loving the truth...
I needed this today. Thank you
Excellent content. I want to say though that we should be very wary of receiving counseling from non Christian psychologists since their worldview is so vastly different than that of a believer.
That's true. If you look at the ADD material online like "additude" they break out into spiel about gender identity and other crazy leftist/satanic stuff like that.
@@joimes seriously? What does gender identity have to do with ADD? No reason to enter that into the conversation
Their professional basis is to not bring their own worldview into the conversation, but to draw out and help you process your own views, and yes that may mean questioning - ie self loathing - why do you think that, when did you start thinking like that (others told you, bulied etc), and challenge whether that is a true view. That type of thing. If they belittle your faith view or enforce their own they can be reported to professional standards organisations (that includes christian counsellors to non christian clients unless specifically advertised as Christian so person knows what signing up for). It can help to not have to explain something from scratch if both coming from same pov but as Christian views vary a lot it is possible to have a christian cousellor who is less supportive of your faith position than a non believer who complies with the neutral position
This is terrible advice.
@@Mutantcy1992 Which advice?
I have noticed that walking and singing helps me out of depression, but the trouble is... when you are down it's about impossible to get out and take a walk. ....Your point about being tempted to sit and stew in it. Yes, that is true.
PERFECT! Over 11/2 years ago and is still blessing.
Thank you Mike for sharing Gods' truth.
Kevin Rider - I like what you said on 5:14 about 'the feeling is not even there' but you can put your hope in God. A lot of pastors will say happy is a feeling but joy is placed so that you will always have joy and this has really bothered me for a long time. I remember when I was working with a guy starting out in a technical field that I was having to learn from that was tearing me down while living in a volatile alcoholic home - I had joy as I read through His Word - and once we were in the work truck and he was tearing me down and I was trying to think why this was still bothering me. I knew my value in Christ and knew this guy was in the wrong, I was reading the Bible a lot and I could sense the Holy Spirit working in my life but this would bother me and I felt I should be at a place where it shouldn't bother me - but as I was thinking 'why' - the thought came - because it's sin. Sin is going to affect us to some degree and that is sin and that is why God hates it so much. I find it interesting that Paul talks about faith, hope, and love and I can see these 3 as constants that we can always have in any situation, but he does not mention joy with these - to me because it is not a constant - even though I agree with the mindset you can have joy in the darkest of situations - but not constantly. I could have joy when I was able to get away in the thoughts of God's Word and reading His Word while dealing with these things during this period but there was also how this sin was legitimately affecting me - which I find a lot of pastors play down and put it all on the broken individual - this mindset among Christians is what has had the most long lasting affect on me.
I thank God for Mike Winger.
Mike. Thankyou so much for sharing this message. This helped me more than you know. In fact, i have been struggling with depression for a while now and a reoccurring circumstance came up that I felt helpless, and frustrated with, not knowing how to respond or articulate the situation. I was was praying, and your name came to mind and brought me here. This message was exactly what I needed to hear about God’s goodness and faithfulness, and regardless how we fee about his presence while working in our circumstances. Thankyou for sharing scripture and wisdom.
Mike I’m so grateful for all your videos, but that you thought to do a video over this! Sometimes this will be a topic no one wants to talk about but I’m so glad you did. It definitely gave me tools to use and a biblical way to look at depression/sadness. Thank you
This was a wonderful, beautiful, soul nourishing video Mike. Thank you so much.
I am watching this during a serious deep circumstantial depression. I am a manager at my work, and had to make a critical review on an employee whom I have acquired a relationship with. I imagine this is going to hurt her, and this has caused me great anxiety and depression. While I know I have to do what is best for the company as a whole, my heart is filled with compassion for this woman. I love what you said Mike about persevering through and not "shirking responsibilities". The last thing I want to do is go to work right now.
thank you for saying circumstantial depression. although the feelings are the same, major depressive disorder sticks around no matter what.
I have to say I REALLY love this video. Just subscribed to you’re channel. Amazing.
So good.
God bless you brethren
I gotta be honest, I loved and needed this video.
I really hope people get help though, for real physical (because it is physical, your brain has neurotransmitters and it's an organ made of matter) depression and anxiety too. Medication or natural medicines (by naturals I do mean, yes, even microdosing psilocybin if it's legal where you are) can be incredibly helpful and there's no shame in that. Lord knows alcohol can be deadly, but Paul told Tim to "take a little wine for his stomach", and I think the same principle applies here ("a little"). SSRIs really help people too, and so does ashwagandah (sp?) and Saint John's wort. So definitely see someone if you feel that there's a medical issue.
People who are clinically depressed seem to get spiritually attacked too, at least in terms of mood. Maybe not everyone...but admit that I do ❤
The video was awesome, I just felt like I needed to share that. God uses medicine too!
I do take medicine for anxiety and depression (plants, and I have a real interest in natural therapies), but this all helps so much, thank you!
I think of joy like this, but with the addition of also not feeling too elated or unhinged. It's like joy also keeps you insulated and not too invested in stuff when it's all good, because we know this life ends and it's all temporary anyway. I love that because I don't want to become overly ecstatic or happy when things are good, I don't think that's wise either. Our real life is after this earthly one ceases, so who really can put too much stock in this?
Hi, may I ask what kind of plants do you take ? Is it something like ashwagandha ? :)
The volume turned up helped tremendously! Thank you Pastor for the blessing of your passion to help us through Christ’s word! God Bless You!❤️🙂🌼🌸🎚🌻🙏💖
Thinking of all God has done for me and the eternal hope He's given me, I cant help but be uplifted!
This is SO beautiful. Very humble and thorough
My loneliness these past few days was because I liked a girl that was an atheist. Huge mistake. Note to Christians, don’t pursue romantic relationships with non believers. They do not know God, and they don’t actually care about you. At least, that’s how it feels. Pretty sure that’s true. A real Christian would never leave someone hanging in pain... especially when they know them. I think God is showing me, that unless the woman is already a strong believer, it is futile to even consider a relationship with a non believer. This video is helping me, thank you Mike. I’m thanking God I’m not returning to sin, temptation has been strong. But the Lord has given me the strength to overcome it.
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiifhfg
I really appreciate all you’ve been doing on many of your videos, this one in particular. I really like how you alluded to depression/depressive episodes may increase vulnerability to sin, perhaps I might say comparable to hunger with Jesus in the desert (and whatever else he was feeling after being alone in the desert for over a month), hunger being a state which wasn’t sinful but created an opportunity for potential vulnerability. Just wanted to say thanks for bringing clarity to so many issues.
Thank you, Pastor Mike.✝️You're awesome.
At 30:35 Mike says be in the presence of God, a forest/heath is a good place to be in the presence of God. Three times in the last several months trees have shaken/moved one of their branches at me. And on another day trees made rustling noises at me on two occasions. I enjoy being in the presence of God.
Man that's epic, I really just pray God gets you through these moments where the world is throwing evil in your face and I pray you are encouraged to keep a steadfast stance again the battles, knowing you are a forerunner for Christ.
@@aliveforchrist4557 I tell you who I may be the forerunner of, Planet Earth's first major female prophet.
@@aliveforchrist4557 I am God's Christ, you know this. God has used me and my brother Alisdair to achieve Brexit.
@@iainpattison903 God used you to help the United Kingdoms withdraw from the European union? Did you mean to say Brexit?
1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us that godliness is better than physical training but it does say that there is some value in exercise. I tossed on an extra 20-30 minutes to my morning routine to hit the weights/treadmill and it significantly reduced my stress and anxiety during my workday.
Just a little unsolicited advice for someone who may be going through the same thing.
Thanking God for your ministry Pastor Mike ❤️❤️❤️
This came to me at the perfect time. Of all the videos to show up in my feed, this year old video showed up and was exactly what I needed to see.
Thank you, God.
Thank you, Mike for this video.
God bless you.
God bless you, Mike Winger. I thanked Him for you.