Hope In The Dark

Overcoming Spiritual Depression When The Soul Feels Heavy

There’s a kind of sadness that doesn’t come from heartbreak or bad news. It’s deeper, quieter. It lingers in the soul of a believer who loves God, reads Scripture, even prays—but feels distant, numb, or dry. This isn’t just “feeling down.” It’s spiritual depression.

And it’s more common than we admit.

The assumption that every Christian should be perpetually joyful is not only unrealistic—it’s unbiblical. The Psalms are full of anguish, longing, and honest cries: “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:5). Even those closest to God walked through spiritual valleys. There’s a whole Bible book called Lamentations. And, even God got sad.

“So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them (mankind) and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.” Gen‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let’s be clear: sadness is not depression. But sadness can lead to depression if we don’t address it or process it properly.

So what do we do when our faith feels tired? And how can we speak truth to the lie and move from pain to peace?

1. Don’t Listen to Yourself—Talk to Yourself

When the soul feels heavy, our inner self talk tends to spiral. We rehearse our fears, failures, and frustrations. But Scripture shows us a different way. In Psalm 42, the psalmist doesn’t just listen to his sorrow—he talks back. He speaks truth to his own heart: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”

We must learn to interrupt our internal dialogue with God’s promises. This isn’t denial—it’s defiance. A holy resistance against the tyranny of feelings that don’t align with truth.

Could it be that our unhappiness is due to us listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves?

Application: Create space for Scripture-driven self-talk. Use Psalms, promises, and gospel truths to reframe your inner narrative.

2. Remember, Guilt Has an Expiration Date

Many believers live under a cloud of guilt—past sins, missed quiet times, unresolved shame. But if we truly believe the gospel, we must believe that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Guilt that lingers past the cross is no longer conviction—it’s bondage.

Preach the gospel (goodness of God) to yourself daily. Not because you’ve forgotten the facts, but because your heart forgets its freedom.

When I first became a Christian, I found it difficult to separate the old Joel from the new Joel I was becoming. Two steps forward and three steps back. Every backward step made me feel more guilty. I wondered how I might ever change and become more like Jesus? Then I started memorising the promises of God throughout the scriptures, especially the ones that spoke to my identity in Christ. Life began to change (slowly) and I took more steps forward than I did backwards.

Application: Anchor your spiritual identity in God’s promises, not your emotional temperature.

3. Beware of Spiritual Isolation

Spiritual depression thrives in isolation. When we withdraw from Christian community, Scripture, and prayer—not out of rebellion but out of exhaustion—we cut ourselves off from the very means God uses to restore us. (Heb 10:25)

This can be difficult if “church” is where we have been hurt. It can trigger unsafe feelings to be in a place where we have been abused. And it becomes more distressing when we know we are meant to be part of God’s family, but it’s just too painful.

I find it helpful here to identify the people who have hurt or abused me. Make a clear distinction between those individuals and the masses of church people who have only been amazing. This way I can start to realise that it was never the church who hurt me, but only some people who go to “that” church - even if it’s the leaders of that church.

You don’t need to “feel” all good all at once. But you do need to stay close to the Shepherd, the lover of your soul, even if it’s just by whispering, “Help me,” or sitting silently with open hands.

Application: Stay connected to your church community even when you feel unmotivated. Healing often comes through worship and shared burdens.

Common Causes of Spiritual Depression:

• Sin – Unconfessed sin leads to guilt and separation.

• Legalism – Trying to earn God’s love through performance.

• Fear of the Future – Anxiety that stems from a lack of trust.

• Discouragement in Service – Burnout from ministry or unmet expectations.

• False Teaching – Believing the Christian life should always be easy or joyful.

Faith is Not a Feeling

Modern spirituality often ties God’s presence to emotional highs. But real faith isn’t proven in the mountaintop moments—it’s formed in the valleys, where most people live. “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). That includes the days when we don’t feel anything at all.

Faith trusts that God is near even if He feels far. That His Words are true even when your heart is numb. That grace is real even when you’re too tired to reach for it.

You are not alone. And you’re not broken.

Spiritual heaviness is not evidence of failure—it can be the beginning of deeper dependence. If your soul feels weary today, don’t panic. Don’t perform. Just take one small step toward Jesus, and let Him carry what you can’t.

He’s not waiting for you to “snap out of it.” He’s already with you in the dark. (Ps 23)

““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”” Matt‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Practical Takeaways:

• Preach to yourself daily. Don’t be a passive listener to your emotions.

• Prioritize truth over feeling. The Word defines your reality, not your mood.

• Confess and surrender. Sin or burdens must be brought into the light.

• Rest in Christ, not performance. The gospel is the cure, not self-effort.

• Stay in community. God often speaks and heals through others.

Note: I have created a 5 day study plan based on this article that I think will help. You could do it by yourself or maybe find some family and friends to do it with you?¹

1. This article was inspired by the book: Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure By Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

The 5 day YouVersion plan should be available mid June 2025.