It is important to realize that some health issues will remain even after one accepts Christ as his/her savior.  For example, if you have a broken arm before you are saved, you will still have that broken arm after you are saved.  If you struggle with asthma, allergies, etc., you will still struggle with these issues after you are saved.  I am not saying the Lord will not heal you of these issues if it is His will, but physical infirmities do not disappear after we come to Christ for salvation.

Psychological issues can also continue after we are saved.  According to the Mayo Clinic, “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.  More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.” 

Just like a broken arm or suffering from allergies, clinical depression will probably require medical attention to deal with the symptoms.  Certainly, if you have a cold or flu, you would not hesitate to seek medical attention.  Some issues, such as anxiety or depression need medical attention.  There is such a stigma attached to these issues that are not fair to those who suffer from them. 

With that being said, there are times or situations that can tend to depress or worry us, that are not clinical issues.  For those, we turn to the Word of God for help.

  • Matthew 6:25-27, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?”  When we fix our gaze on our situations, we stop looking to the Lord for His provision and care.  When we deliberately keep our minds on our problems, we are not trusting the Lord.
  • Psalm 34:17-18, “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”  When we are tempted to be anxious or depressed, we need to remember that the Lord hears us when we cry out to Him, and He WILL deliver us from our troubles.
  • Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  Many times in the scriptures, the Lord exhorts us to not fear or worry.  What is the basis for this calmness and serenity?  The Lord is God and He will uphold us with His mighty right hand of righteousness.

The Word of God has much to say to relieve us of our anxieties, worries, and misery.  Just a few verses include Matthew 11:28; Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 5:7; Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 40:1-3; Psalm 32:10; John 16:33. The Lord speaks much about our trusting Him for ALL our needs and concerns.  He constantly assures us of His unfailing love and power.  I encourage you to memorize these verses or find some that speak to your heart.  Perhaps you can write some down on index cards and tape them in places where you will see them often so that you might be reminded that the Lord does not want you to worry or fret.  He wants you to give Him all your cares so that He might minister to your every need.  (CC)  (719.4)