Welcome to Portslade Baptist Church!
We are a community who meet right in the heart of Portslade's Old Village.
We'd love to meet you as we journey through life together, loving God, loving people and loving Portslade.
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Good morning and welcome to our homepage at Portslade Baptist Church, to our members, friends, church family and those watching on Livestream
A warm welcome to all
PORTSLADE BAPTIST CHURCH
SOUTH STREET BN41 2LE
Bible Study: Understanding and Coping with Depression as a Christian
Mental health is a crucial part of our overall well-being, yet many believers often struggle in silence, feeling afraid to express their feelings - despite the fact we have a heavenly father who cares about every aspect of our lives. Looking to the Bible, it often speaks to the challenges of anxiety, depression, and emotional struggles, offering hope, wisdom, and encouragement and yet many Christians struggle to express their depressive thoughts because they fear being judged or seen as lacking faith. In some church communities, there can be an unspoken expectation that believers should always be joyful and victorious (a so-called sunshine Christianity), making it difficult to admit feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair. This can lead to isolation and shame, as individuals may feel pressure to suppress their emotions rather than seek help. We sing worship songs about joy and happiness all the time and it can feel sometimes that we are failing if we openly admit our struggles in this area. However, the Bible is full of faithful people—like David, Elijah, and Job—who openly expressed their sorrow and distress to God, but thankfully it is then also filled with hope as they all found a release in admitting their deepest struggles and found God's answer to them. From a Christian perspective, depression is not a sign of weak faith but a real struggle that some people face. Christians can experience depression for various reasons, including physical illness, emotional stress, spiritual struggles, and external circumstances. It’s crucial to recognize that depression can have multiple causes and is not merely a lack of faith or spiritual weakness. True Christian community should be a place of compassion, where struggles are met with grace, understanding, support and a place of healing rather than judgment.
In this study, we will explore some reasons why Christians might feel depressed and look at biblical insights and practical steps to cope with it.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It goes beyond temporary feelings of sadness and can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. Symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, and a sense of worthlessness. Depression can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors including genetics, as well as chemical imbalances in the brain, past trauma, and stressful life circumstances. Depression is not a modern phenomenon; it is reflected in the Bible through the experiences of many of God's faithful servants. Characters like David, Elijah, Job and Jeremiah went through periods of deep sorrow and despair. Even Jesus cried out in anguish at times.
- What do you think are the main causes of depression today?
- Do you understand the difference between depression caused by life circumstances and a chemical imbalance?
- What are the usual ways therapists/ professionals would treat depression?
What does the bible have to say about depression?
The Bible acknowledges the reality of deep sorrow, despair, and emotional
suffering with many verses expressing feelings of distress, hopelessness, and
anguish. The Bible contains many verses where faithful people express deep
depression, anguish, and pain. Here are some powerful examples:
1. Psalm 42:11
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God."
David wrestles with deep sorrow but reminds himself to hope in God.
2. Job 3:11
"Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?"
Job, in his suffering, questions the very reason for his existence, showing the depth of his anguish.
3. 2 Corinthians 1:8
"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself."
Even Paul, a great leader of the faith, experienced such despair that he felt life was unbearable.
4. Lamentations 3:17-20
"I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So, I say, ‘My splendour is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.’ I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me."
Jeremiah laments his suffering, feeling abandoned and hopeless.
5. 1 Kings 19:4
"He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’"
Elijah,
after a great victory, falls into despair, showing that even strong believers
can struggle deeply.
6 Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."
In this passage, Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel during a time of hardship and exile. He reminds them that even the strongest and most youthful individuals grow tired and weary,
7. Matthew 26:38 (Jesus in Gethsemane)
"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
Even Jesus Himself experienced deep anguish before His crucifixion, showing that suffering is not a sign of weak faith.
4) How do you think the Bible's acknowledgment of emotional suffering and distress helps us understand that experiencing pain or depression does not mean we are lacking in faith?
5) What comfort or hope do you find in the way the Bible portrays individuals expressing their pain and struggles, and how can we apply that to our own lives when facing emotional hardship?
How does God respond to these struggles?
Though the verses above express deep sorrow, they also remind us that God is present in our pain. He offers comfort, healing, and hope, even in our darkest moments.
Consider the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-8). After a great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled in fear for his life, feeling overwhelmed and despondent. He even prayed for his life to be taken. God responded not with rebuke, but with care—providing food, rest, and gentle encouragement, illustrating His compassion and understanding of our struggles.
6) How did God’s response to Elijah’s fear and despair show His compassion? What can we learn from how God provided for Elijah’s physical and emotional needs?
Job's story (Job 1-2) shows how profound suffering—loss of family, health, and wealth—can lead to deep despair. Despite his faithfulness, Job felt abandoned and questioned God's purposes. His friends’ simplistic explanations failed to address the complexity of his pain, reminding us that understanding and empathy are vital when supporting those with depression. God responded to Job’s struggles with both challenge and compassion. After Job endured immense suffering—losing his family, health, and possessions—he wrestled with deep grief and questioned God’s justice. In Job 38-41, God answered Job not with direct explanations, but by revealing His vast power, wisdom, and sovereignty over creation. Through this, God reminded Job that His ways are beyond human understanding. However, God did not condemn Job for his pain and questions; instead, He ultimately restored Job’s fortunes, blessing him even more than before (Job 42:10-17). This response shows that while God allows suffering, He is always in control, and He walks with us through our struggles, ultimately bringing restoration and purpose.
7) In what ways did God’s response to Job’s suffering reveal both His justice and His compassion? How did God’s approach differ from the responses of Job’s friends?
When Paul felt under great pressure, God responded by reminding him of His sufficient grace and strength in weakness. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Paul describes a time when he and his companions were "under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself." However, he goes on to say that this suffering taught him to rely not on himself, but on God who raises the dead.
8) Paul describes experiencing “great pressure” to the point of despair. How did God respond to Paul’s suffering, and what can we learn about the role of God’s grace in our hardships?
Additionally, in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul speaks about a "thorn in the flesh", a persistent struggle that caused him great distress. He pleaded with God three times to remove it, but God responded: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Rather than removing Paul's struggle, God reassured him that His grace was enough and that His power would be revealed through Paul’s weakness. This teaches us that while God may not always take away our hardships, He gives us the strength to endure them, using our struggles to deepen our reliance on Him and display His power in our lives.
9) What does God’s response to Paul’s "thorn in the flesh" teach us about the relationship between suffering and spiritual growth?
When Jesus felt overwhelmed in the Garden of Gethsemane, God's response was one of both comfort and strengthening. As Jesus faced the agony of impending crucifixion, He prayed intensely, asking the Father to "take this cup from me," yet submitting to God's will by saying, "not my will, but Yours be done"* (Luke 22:42). In His moment of deep distress, Jesus experienced a profound sense of emotional and spiritual burden, as Matthew 26:38 recounts, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”
In response to Jesus' anguish, God provided comfort in a few ways. First, He sent an angel to strengthen Jesus (Luke 22:43), offering spiritual support during His intense moment of need. Although Jesus' physical and emotional pain was great, God’s presence and His response reassured Jesus that He was not alone in His suffering. Additionally, God allowed Jesus to experience this sorrow as part of His redemptive mission, ultimately strengthening Jesus' resolve to carry out God's will and face the cross.
Jesus' experience in Gethsemane shows that even in our deepest moments of emotional pain and anguish, God does not abandon us but provides the strength we need to endure, aligning our will with His purposes.
10) How did God provide comfort and strength to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? What does this tell us about God’s presence in our most painful moments?
11) What is the significance of God sending an angel to strengthen Jesus in Gethsemane, and how does it demonstrate God’s understanding of human suffering?
God does not abandon us in these moments, even if we begin to doubt
ourselves.
"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
12) What do the stories of Elijah, Job, Paul, and Jesus teach us about how God responds to our emotional and spiritual struggles?
13) In your own life, how have you experienced God’s comfort and strength during times of distress? How can we trust in His purposes even when we don’t understand our struggles?
Seeking help and practical steps:
The Bible encourages us to seek God in times of trouble, but it also recognizes the importance of community and practical support. Christians are urged to share their burdens, seek counsel, and pursue holistic well-being.
In the New Testament, Paul faced many trials and hardships, yet he found strength through prayer and community support. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul speaks of feeling under great pressure, beyond his ability to endure, yet he highlights the role of prayers and support from others in sustaining him.
Practical Steps to Cope with Depression:
- "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." - Psalm 34:17 Prayer and Scripture Reading. Staying connected with God through prayer and reading the Bible can provide comfort and hope.
- Seeking Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals. Therapists and doctors can offer guidance and treatment that complements spiritual practices. Medication can help with depression when it is a chemical imbalance.
- Engaging in Community: Lean on your church community for support. Sharing your struggles with trusted friends or mentors can provide relief and encouragement. Being there for each other, being a loving family. Simply talking/ listening can often be so helpful.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Pay attention to physical health by maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. These can significantly impact mental well-being.
14) How can we, as a church, better support those among us who are struggling with depression?
15) How can we offer support to others who are experiencing emotional pain, based on God’s example of compassion to His servants?
16) What practical steps can we take to maintain our own mental and spiritual well-being?
Conclusion:
Depression is a challenging journey, but it is one that Christians do not have to face alone. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 describes God as the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” who walks with us in our struggles. The Bible does not dismiss depression but instead offers encouragement; by recognizing the signs, seeking help, and relying on God’s promises, we can find strength and hope. The Bible reassures us that God is close to the broken hearted and understands our struggles deeply. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone—God sees, cares, and walks with you. ❤️
One
night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
Scenes from my life flashed across the sky,
In each, I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints;
other times there was only one.
During the lowest times of my life
I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said, "Lord, you promised me,
that you would walk with me always.
Why, when I have needed you most would you leave me?"
The Lord replied, "My precious child,
I love you and would never leave you.
The times when you have seen only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
ere we are in England almost everything but people do not talk about God. Here where we are free to come to Jesus and speak about Him but not many come, even less go. Thousands of miles from here where it is dangerous to talk about and accept Jesus people are saying I want Him.
When I came to the UK and when I arrived I realised that we are here for the Battle for Britain.
When
I first came it shocked me to see that there were no young people in the churches. When I asked
where are the young people I was shown pubs and clubs and told that they are
all going in there. A
generation has been lost, and if we do not pray and seek God then we
will see another generation will be lost. Whatever it takes to prevent this we
must do it. We must fight back!
Don’t
sit back and play church and see another generation go to hell, don’t just sit
there and see your children go to hell. We must rise and fight for the lost generation.
What
shall we do! Go back to worship, worship is the key. Some will say but we have been worshipping
God! Yes and No! Worship is not just that what we do on a Sunday, we worship God
in every step that we take, every day and every hour. The Psalmist said; with
every breath I will praise you. When I wake in the morning I will praise you.
Do you awake every morning and seek God praying for your children and
grandchildren.
John 4:13-24 A religious woman, a Samaritan who had her own
traditional way of worshipping, she believed that she was worshiping God.
She
worshipped in a place Mt Gerizim, God is not limited to a place, religion is limiting God to a
place or building. God is saying go out and get them. Go out into the highways
and byways and bring them in.
She
did not know what she was
worshipping, many limit God in his power, putting Him in a box and not
seeing who He is and what he can do. God is holy, be holy for I am holy, we must worship God through
continual repentance. Have you taken steps to make sure that your robes are dipped
in the blood of Christ? Paul says I repent daily. We need to examine ourselves.
People have accepted Jesus and ended there. The problem in Britain is that people have taken God off His
throne and brought him down to their level. God commands holiness.
What
we say about Jesus is also important. Many Christians have taken a gagging
order from Satan and will
not talk about Jesus. Who will reach the lost if we won’t? God has
blessed you and wants you to share the blessing.
One soul at a time. You don’t save them just witness to them and God
does the rest.
God
doesn’t want to be understood, He can’t be understood because He is God, He
will reveal Himself to those who really seek Him. We need to get out of our
comfort zone and witness. When was the last time you told a person about Jesus?
Daily people are being
recruited into the kingdom of darkness, invited to join in evil.
God
does not like mechanical worship. You come here but your mind is not here. You
have set mechanical things in place and you push a button and have a hour of
worship then nothing until next week. God is looking for people who will cry
out to Him day and night and not stop until he answers. That is the commitment
God wants. People who won’t stop until they see miracles, the day of miracles is not over,
Christ is the same yesterday today and forever.
God is looking for people of faith, who
want to see His power poured out.
Many
of us have children and provide soap and water for them and would be frustrated
if they were dirty. God has provided the water of life but his people will not
come to the blood for cleansing. People do not believe in healing; do not
believe that God heals.
God
is looking for true worshippers worshiping with their heart not just their
head. God knows the heart and is looking at the heart for worship in spirit and truth. God is
Spirit and must be worshiped in Spirit, truth in the word of God that says we
are all sinners and must come through Jesus.
Questions. Are you willing to go to this lost generation? Are
you willing to go to God daily and plead for the lost? The only language
understood in heaven is the language of prayer. Are you ready for the battle for Britain?
Short History of our church.
2021 marked the 60th Anniversary of the present Chapel in South Street. However, the Church has existed in one form or another since 1870!
The Church originally met in the back room of a public house, The Clarence Assembly Room, in North Street, after being rented out by Rev. Charles Spurgeon. Spurgeon sent one of his students, Mr. E.A.Tydeman to preach at the very first meeting on 18th December, 1870.
Since then, there have been 3 chapels, the first built in 1873 in Chapel Place, off North Street.
The Church quickly grew out of it's original chapel, and a new one was opened in 1892. This chapel was the home of Portslade Baptist until 1957.
In 1957, the Church purchased the land to construct a new chapel in Upper Portslade. This present chapel was opened on 25th March 1961.
Over the 141 years since that very first meeting, the Church has changed a lot! Below are a list of Ministers of our Church
1870-1875:
Mr. E.A.Tydeman & Rev. W. Townsend
1875-1877: Rev. F. Harvey
1878-1888: Rev. S.G. Gamble
1889-1893: Rev. J.O'Neill Campbell
1839-1919: Rev. H.J. Dyer
1920-1929: Rev. George Burrett
1929-1934: Rev. A.E Johnson
1934-1949: Rev. A.J. Phillips
1950-1974: Rev. E.C.Hearsley Starling
1974-1979: Rev. Raymond J. Webber
1980-1986: Rev. Gordon Steer
1988-1994: Rev. Colin R.W Weller (Moderator)
1994- 2018: Rev. Phillip O. Cook
2019 - Rev. David M Meikle
The church leadership would like to thank our members for your faithfulness in giving and support as we continue to seek Gods Will for the future life of our church family.
Pastor David, Rosalie, Sue.
God Bless everyone and please keep safe and feel safe in God’s Presence.
Please if you have any queries or suggestions please phone pastor David at 01273 945934.
I realize that most do not have internet or access to our homepage, www.portsladebaptist.org.uk When you enter our welcome page Click on YouTube videos to access our live or recorded services. Audio recordings are also available, so if you have CD/DVD player please let us know and we give you CDs of the services. Also on the menu page you can see a copy of the weekly sermon is also available on Sermon Page which you can read.
Meanwhile you are all in our thoughts, love and prayers. The Lord encourages
and strengthens us all.
Revd.
David M Meikle/ Deacons and Elder.
Find out "What's On" and "About Us" by clicking here,
or explore the site with the links at the top of the page.
If you'd like to get in touch, email hello@portsladebaptist.org.uk
We warmly welcome you to join us at our worship services. We meet on Sunday mornings, starting at 10.30am, followed by refreshments.
All ages are welcome and there are groups for children and young people.
Love God. Love people. Love Portslade.
