In this episode, Gary Wilkerson discusses depression and suicide even among believers who should live in the light of hope. He explores ways that believers can handle issues like mental illness and how to differentiate between spiritual despair and general life discouragement. Most importantly, he offers encouragement to those who may feel as if they are fighting alone. God is walking right alongside us, even in our darkest hours.

Key Questions from the Podcast

  • Why do pastors struggle with depression and suicide?

  • Are church leaders greater targets of spiritual attack?

  • As Christians, should we struggle with depression or suicide?

  • How is the church to respond to and pray for the spiritual stronghold of suicide on this generation?

  • Why does God allow pain and suffering?

Notable Quotes from the Podcast

Depression is a physical and mental malady. It's not just a mood. You can have a depressive mood. I get depressed. We have moods. Give yourself permission to have some moods. – Gary Wilkerson

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23

We have falsely presented a conflict-free Christian gospel—if you'll come to understand the gospel correctly and apply your faith correctly, then you will avoid conflict. – Gary Wilkerson

I was reading the other day where it talks about the shield of faith and the Bible says that God will be a shield to us. Well, that's a nice sentiment, but it also says there's a lot of stuff being thrown at you. There's a battle. – Gary Wilkerson

No weapon formed against you shall prosper…– Isaiah 54:17a

I have a new picture, not of an arrowless body, but one that's scarred and wounded. Hit, but the shield is up, sword in hand, sweaty brow, stepping up the hill saying, "We're not going to be stopped!" – Gary Wilkerson

You have to realize there is a fight and you have to get in it. You can't sit on the sideline in depression and fear of loss. You have to have a strategy. You have to have a vision. You have to have hope. – Gary Wilkerson

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:11

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

About Gary Wilkerson

Gary Wilkerson is the President of World Challenge, an international mission organization that was founded by his father, David Wilkerson. He is also the Founding Pastor of The Springs Church, which he launched in 2009 with a handful of people. He has traveled nationally and internationally at conferences and conducted mission ventures such as church planting, starting orphanages, clinics, feeding programs among the poorest of the poor and the most unreached people of the earth. Gary and his wife Kelly have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.