Biblical Answer

Will I ever feel normal again?

Feeling "normal" is a human desire that often gets complicated by the struggles of depression, anxiety, or other life challenges. The Bible encourages us to seek God's help in navigating these struggles. In Psalm 139:23-24, David asks God to "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked way in me." This prayer shows that David is seeking to understand himself and his heart, and to be honest about his struggles. When we take this step of honesty, the Spirit of God can begin to work in our hearts, showing us what we are like and helping us to change.

The problem of depression is often misunderstood, and it can be tempting to look for a quick fix or a magic solution. However, the Bible teaches us that spiritual growth and healing take time and effort. As the apostle Paul wrote, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). This verse reminds us that even in the midst of struggles, we can experience the presence and power of God. When we look to Jesus, we can find strength and change, and we can say, "This is exactly what I needed."

In order to feel "normal" again, we need to take a step back and look at our desires and expectations. The Bible teaches us that the human heart is prone to grasping and accumulating desires, and that even when we get what we want, we may not feel satisfied. This is because our hearts are wired to seek more, and we can never fully satisfy our desires through external means. Instead, we need to look to God and seek His help in navigating our struggles. As Jim, who struggled with addiction, found, "I have thought of that. I feel like I have had to face all sorts of problems I didn't have to face before. Apart from faith, it might seem easier to go back to alcohol." But with faith, he was able to find a new way forward, and to experience the power of God in his life. Ultimately, feeling "normal" again is not just about getting rid of our struggles, but about learning to trust in God's presence and power in the midst of them.