Overcoming Depression Through Identity in Christ
By Stephen J. Moll
Depression can feel like a heavy fog—hopeless, isolating, and overwhelming. Many believers struggle silently, wondering, “If I’m saved, why do I feel so low?”
Depression is a common mental health condition.
It is marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty functioning in daily life. In the U.S., about 20% of teens and 8% of adults experience major depression each year, with rates highest among young people and women. While exact numbers are unclear, millions of Christians also struggle with depression, though stigma in the church often prevents open discussion and support.
The good news is, the Bible offers real hope. Freedom comes not through performance, but through knowing and resting in who you are in Christ.
At the end of this article, I offer a way to get help if you or someone you know wants to overcome depression.
Jesus Understands Depression—and Is Present.
Jesus is not distant from your pain. Isaiah 53:3 calls Him “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” He felt emotional agony in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44) and understands what it means to suffer. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that He sympathizes with our weaknesses. He is with you, and He offers rest (Matthew 11:28).
Lisa’s Story: From Depression to Freedom
Lisa, a wife and a mother of two, felt like she was drowning. Though she loved her family and believed in Jesus, she couldn’t escape the dark cloud hanging over her. Guilt, exhaustion, and hopelessness weighed her down.
She reached out to a biblical counselor who helped her uncover life-changing truths from Scripture, especially about her identity in Christ. She learned that her worth wasn’t based on her emotions, past, or performance, but on her secure position in Jesus.
Alongside truth-filled teaching, Lisa practiced daily steps: speaking Scripture to her soul, journaling, praying honestly, and connecting with encouraging believers. Slowly, the darkness lifted. Today, Lisa walks in renewed joy—not because her life is perfect, but because it’s anchored in Christ.
I’ve had the privilege of helping many like Lisa find lasting hope by understanding who they are in Christ and walking in grace-based truth.
Your Identity in Christ: The Foundation for Freedom
Depression often speaks lies: “You’re worthless,” “You’ll never change.” But God’s Word declares a better reality for all who are in Christ:
1. You Are a New Creation
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” —2 Corinthians 5:17
You are not who you were. God has made you new.
2. You Are Forgiven
“In Him we have redemption… the forgiveness of sins.” —Ephesians 1:7
At the cross, Jesus forgave all your sins—past, present, and future. You don’t need to earn forgiveness repeatedly. It is finished.
3. You Are Complete in Christ
“You have been given fullness in Christ.” —Colossians 2:10
You lack nothing. You’ve received everything you need for life and godliness.
4. You Have Every Spiritual Blessing
“He has blessed us… with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” —Ephesians 1:3
God has already poured out His grace. You are spiritually rich, not waiting for more.
5. You Are Righteous by Faith
“This righteousness is given… to all who believe.” —Romans 3:22
You’ve been declared righteous, not based on behavior, but by faith in Jesus.
6. Christ Lives in You
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” —Colossians 1:27
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” —Galatians 2:20
You’re not alone. Christ lives in you and expresses His life through you.
7. You Are Fully Accepted
“Accept one another… as Christ accepted you.” —Romans 15:7
Your acceptance is based on Jesus, not your performance.
8. You Are Free from the Law
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” —Galatians 5:1
God doesn’t relate to you through rules. You’re led by the Spirit, not legalism.
9. You Are Eternally Secure
“Nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God.” —Romans 8:39
You are sealed by the Holy Spirit and safe in Christ forever.
Freedom Comes Through Resting in Grace
Trying harder can’t heal your heart—resting in Christ can. Legalism, rule-keeping, and religious performance lead to frustration. But grace leads to freedom, joy, and transformation.
Paul wrote, “You are not under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Jesus said, “Abide in Me” (John 15:4). Victory isn’t about what you do for God—it’s about believing what He has done for you.
Practical Steps to Walk in Freedom
Here are some grace-filled steps that can help you overcome depression:
Study the Identity Truths Found in Paul’s Epistles. Focus on Romans, Ephesians, Galatians, and Colossians. These books reveal who you are in Christ.
Reject Performance-Based Thinking. You are already accepted. Stop trying to earn what’s been freely given.
Speak Truth to Your Soul. Use Scripture to combat lies. Declare, “Christ lives in me,” “I am forgiven,” “I am complete.”
Surround Yourself with Encouraging Believers. Community matters. Find people who speak truth and grace, not fear and legalism.
Pray Honestly. God invites you to come as you are. Pour out your heart to Him—He listens, understands, and heals.
Living the Grace Life
The “grace life” is not about rule-keeping or religious striving. It’s a life of trusting Jesus moment by moment—allowing His life to be lived through you.
“As we keep our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and grow in our knowledge of all He has done, we are able to live a godly life in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12), filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:11).”
You Are Not Alone in Your Depression
If you are battling depression, know this:
You are not your emotions.
You are not your failures.
You are not forgotten.
Rather,
You are a new creation.
You are loved.
You are secure.
You are in Christ, and that changes everything.
This article was written Stephen J. Moll, a seasoned pastor, a biblical counselor, and Dr. Lucy’s husband! Learn more about Pastor Steve and his areas of expertise on his page and schedule a complimentary phone consult with him. (Choose his calendar.)