Depression and Spiritual Vitality

Continuing our series following the exhortation to kindle afresh the gift that is within us, we turn to the matter of depression which can significantly dampen the flame of our love for Christ. We’ve noted how our faith can be stirred up to greater vitality though the assurance of the Gospel, diligent effort in serving Jesus, even conflicts with the opposition can sharpen our faith. Last week we were charged by Paul to live our whole life in evangelistic service of the Gospel, but today we want to think about what’s happening to our faith when we are in a tailspin of depression and despondency toward God. We approach this topic with two questions: First, how does depression affect our faith? Second, how can our faith be kindled afresh when we are least able to do anything about it?