Why do I battle fear and depression as a Christian? | Natalie Grant

[@shadowprovesunshine]

Thank you for being open....as Christians we are supposed to bear one another's burdens! The enemy loves to isolate us.

[@zhimo1046]

Amen 🙌🏻

[@scosta9081]

The words about our broken condition and need for Jesus is SO, SO good! "The other stuff is actually religion." These powerful words will stick with me. I struggled with debilitating depression over the past year and could not reconcile that with my faith in Jesus. The Lord has graciously led me to hear words, such as these, and I find hope and am encouraged. Thank you to Natalie and the radio station staff for sharing this. May God bless your ministries exponentially as you shine light into the darkness and continue to touch hearts. ❤

[@iKeto_gal]

I truly believed God designed our bodies to not consume sugar/carbs. The carnivore food lifestyle eliminates anxiety and many other mental health issues.

[@roseestrada3689]

Amen

[@tracker4854]

You know it took me a while to realize that God allowed Psalms and the word of Jeremiah and other passages for a reason. Jesus wept. I go to a church, Hispanic, and I feel I need to hold my struggles in. I feel like if I share my current struggles, I’ll be told I’m a coward. I’m okay with that. God doesn’t love me less if I hurt. Never said it would be easy. But He will still be here. God bless you sister.

[@jl4jesus425]

So true; is by realizing how broken and imperfect we are that we understand how great and perfect he is and how much we need him!! Praise Jesus Christ our Lord

[@Brianna-et5qg]

Wow. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve struggled with fear and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I never knew what it was until I was older and able to process it. But you’re exactly right. I never knew that bringing what was once in the darkness to the light would bring so much freedom. And I feel healed in so many ways. Yes, I still struggle. But today I say with confidence, that I am full of boldness and courage. I came to the Lord with all my worst fears and I said to Him: I can’t prevent those what ifs from happening, though I’m terrified of them… but there’s no one else that I would rather walk through it with than You. I know if You are with me, everything will be okay, even if it’s not okay.

[@CJacob93]

This has me wrecked. I’m struggling to keep my housing which is tied to my college campus and therefore my degree completion. Every semester I live fearful of losing it all, every day I worry if I’ll make it to graduation because I can’t keep up with the room and board which as a former foster youth and independent student, I am solely responsible for. Daily tears, daily struggle, daily I call on God to keep me from what I feel is so inevitable.

[@991JOYFM]

Christian, I'm really sorry you're going through that. I know it's hard, but please know you are being prayed for today!

[@Cheri94]

You are SO amazing, thank you for being so beautifully broken, and letting me know, as a Christian, I’m not alone! I’ve heard so many people say” I thought you were a Christian, why are you scared” and it made me feel faithless. This video made my heart so happy. Jesus loves my beautifully broken mind!

[@Mirjam444]

Very beautiful brokenness from miss Natalie. For me, Jesus set met free from panic & anxiety when I let Him heal some (old) traumas. Enemy comes in when there's a trauma (can be childbirth, accident, abuse, loss...) Part of our soul is captive & the enemy (fear/demons)torments, but Jesus can set us free!

[@hilarys3887]

THANK YOU Natalie for sharing your personal experience and struggle and wisdom on depression, fear, and anxiety. This helps others who are struggling with the same things. GOD bless you!

[@valeriehernandez5150]

Thank you Natalie for sharing your story. I to struggle with anxiety and depression. You are such a beautiful artist who has such love for Jesus. You have an amazing voice. God bless you.❤️

[@maryraymond2887]

Thank You For Your Honesty and willingness to share.... I can relate to the Struggle..... I cry alots to Jesus and Say I need you Jesus with me wherever I go....God Bless You Natalie...m

[@991JOYFM]

Mary, thank YOU for your vulnerability as well!

[@j_reneeandrews2095]

Preach it! For so long, the lowercase “c” church has done such a disservice to people by not recognizing mental health and not labeling it as a separate thing from one’s faith walk. The brain needs just as much care as any other part of the body does and the lowercase “c” church needs to get rid of the stigma not just for depression and anxiety, but for ALL mental illnesses, including PTSD and C-PTSD.

[@wadejinright3952]

I understand, having had a panic attack, it helps me to talk about how that helped me to understand others that have been through it.

[@carolinemanley9216]

So so beautiful! I’ve always looked up to Natalie Grant and knowing her story is just amazing! What a testimony!

[@deb9784]

Reading these comments I realized, that this is the church say it's best, loving, encouraging, and comforting the broken and the fragile! We are called to this! Thank you Natalie and Star 99.1 for inviting us into the conversation that leads to healing! 💜🙏💜

[@robinford7582]

Natalie, Thank you for sharing your story! You are brave and a beautiful witness of how God meets us in our weakness. AND.... Your music has been used by God as a healing balm for me personally for many years. God bless you as you keep "pressing on toward the prize!"

[@mommom6637]

I.am so glad for the truth of God's love and grace. My daughter is living in a nightmare. I am texting about her because I see her brokenness and depression in what.was said today. If by the grace of God,someone will pray for her as well as myself, Jesus Christ will answer for His sake and my daughters....she is a grown woman. She prays,but the situation is very messed up. She is bullied,her spirit is being torn apart.Can not say much more.Jesus knows,He understands. Thankyou,All Honor and Power and Glory are His.Amen and Amen 🙏

[@deb9784]

Praying that the LORD brings someone she can trust to speak life and truth! The enemy of our souls is real! But praise God she has you as a mom to lift her before the LORD! "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man (CHRIST is our righteousness) avails much." James 5:16 GOD bless you! 💜🙏💜

[@sarahm1236]

Praying!! I have an almost identical situation. (My grown daughter is also living a nightmare…and has dealt with depression since her teen years) She is 37 yrs old and needs healing & rescue. Trusting Jesus for both daughters. God bless you.🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@rosemarybrook5955]

Praise the Lord for your testimony 🙏🏻 there's freedom in releasing the unknown shame.🥰😇

[@pamelagonzalez46]

Thank you for sharing I hope it has been better! I feel bad when people tell me when Im having anxiety & Depression that Im sinning because I don't have faith in the lord.

[@rebeccakaufmann1768]

Love you Natalie for so many reasons! You minister to us in so many ways!

[@jennyletender3647]

This needed to be heard!!!!! THSNK YOU, SISTER NATALIE!!

[@debrakeeler2816]

Natalie, thank you so much for sharing your story!! My daughter suffers from Anxiety & Depression. Please pray for her. I’ve been praying for years for her. I love her so much I hate to see her suffer! She’s a grown adult. Thank you & may God bless you! Will be praying for you as well! 🙏💖🙏

[@3333falcon]

I so relate to your testimony. I to stayed silent for many years with worry and anxiety, but praise God he finds strength in my weakness!!

[@elainemahoney8122]

I just now found this video. I have never heard anyone be so incredibly real and truthful! I have struggled with these issues for years to the point of wanting to take my own life! I know God led me to this video for a profound step in healing! Thank you so much Natalie for the strength it took to be so blatantly honest! P.S. You came to a church I belonged to years ago and performed there with your husband. I was so lifted up when I left that night. I'll never forget it! Thank you for that as well. May goodness and mercy follow you all of your days! Your cup runneth over!!♥️

[@karenb6791notakaren]

Such an amazing sharing. Thx for being vulnerable, Natalie. Prayers for everyone struggling with this. 💜🙏🏼😔

[@ariannaduckwall6001]

Thank you for opening up. Not many people I feel like understand how....how broken a person can be because of a mental illness. I won't let it rule my life but I need the strength to talk about it. And the prayers to help me along. I pray for those struggling. You aren't alone.💗

[@silent_whispers319]

I have " high functioning" depression. It can be easily missed, yet one clue is not wanting to socialize and prefer to be isolated. Also weight fluctuations, and insomnia. I hate it because no one can see it and offer me support. They think I'm always undercontrol.

[@melodyyarnell1163]

I hate leaving my place ,I have to talk myself into leaving ,xo hugs we got this 👍

[@gabriellaruhlman6688]

My husband has high functioning depression and I've kicked myself in the rear for not seeing it so many times until he finally breaks down.. it really is easy to miss even with those closest to you.. I'm learning to pick up the subtle signs, like you said the insomnia and preferring isolation. He seems to cope so well with things on the outside and it pains me to know he could be playing it cool outwardly but crying for help and support on the inside. It helps that at times he has flat out told me "I'm going through it again" and I know what that means and can be more of a support and comfort to him. Maybe if you have someone close to you who could help mentally support you, it might help just to flat out tell them what you're going through. High functioning depression really is easy to miss unfortunately 😔

[@silent_whispers319]

@@gabriellaruhlman6688 , I'm sorry to hear this. I'm single and have no family, but one way I manage it is by going to the gym regularly, eat healthy foods, and get as much fresh and sunshine as much as possible. I also have a racing mind, and need a peaceful environment to relax. However; some days I'm perfectly fine!!

[@gabriellaruhlman6688]

@@silent_whispers319 I'm glad you're able to find ways to manage! I'm sure the lack of exercise and not eating very well plays a part in how long his seasons of depression last. Getting sunshine definitely helped me so much when I struggled with postpartum depression with my firstborn. Praying for you, that God continues to help you through your depression and that the days where you feel perfectly fine are days of great refreshment for you ❤

[@mattw4496]

If you're hyper-aware enough to know that you are depressed and you know other people don't know it, it's your responsibility to speak up and say something if you want people to know.

[@Deba7777]

Amen, dear Natalie! You are in good company, but you are a public figure, so you are more exposed, with higher stakes than we others who struggle with anxiety and depression. Thank you for your courage in sharing this, God continue bless you and your family.

[@kathybriggs1266]

Wow. Just wow. I knew I loved her before, and now so much more…..So many things I could share, but I don’t have time to write a book! I’ll just say this: Thank you, Natalie Grant!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Me too, love her.

[@susiewelchman8658]

Oh beautiful Natalie ! What a beautiful gem you are ! Thank you for sharing 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🌈🦋

[@conniesybert2704]

This is such a nessasary conversation. Words of truth and faith. Bring that shame into the light and what it loose its power! Praise God!

[@gloriasmith4246]

You are SO NOT ALONE. Thank you for sharing. Your insight and wisdom/testimony touches hearts. ❤️‍🩹

[@sundevilsteve]

I need Him too....thank you Natalie for this....Help us all Jesus....WE LOVE YOU....

[@aquillakillingsworth5774]

Your a shining light, your beautiful. I love your music, it’s anointed. When you sang the National Anthem, oh how gorgeous.

[@cmebans35]

You are loved and appreciated

[@gregorfong-rose910]

"This is what it is to be..." honest! God bless you my sister. Natalie, I love your music and ministry forever and even more when I hear you testify like this. Hugs 🤗

[@esthertk8457]

Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. From you as a mother to me as a mother. I've had a depression as well after our 2nd baby was born. Sometimes it is so encouraging to hear a testimony like yours from a christian woman of faith. Sometimes when I speak about the depression I've had it makes me cry, and It felt like failure, cause if God heald my depression why do I cry about it. But seeing you getting emotional as well, I've come to realise that it is ok, I's not failure, it are the scars so we can show and tell about the goodness of our God. Again, thank you so so very much for sharing. It has helped me! Love and blessings to you and your family...

[@991JOYFM]

So good to know that you are not alone...!

[@shawndeelooney2690]

In my case, I had my mom and sister reinforcing that negative belief of you’re not enough and now I can help be apart the solution or prevent for a mom I love and hope one day she is there for me to help me avoid any future issues.

[@cmebans35]

You are loved and appreciated 💕

[@sheliaansley7525]

Bringing everything to the light it what drives darkness out! I just love your transparency!! Your honesty is what shows us you're a believer in Jesus Christ!!

[@rosemarychiang6924]

For every day what we using water ,air or .....thank to lord

[@angelatweedle4662]

Thank you Natilie for sharing your story. I went through the same thing after the birth of my 2nd child and it last almost 2years. But Jesus broke through and made me whole. I know others will be blessed by your testimony.

[@marissarojas4739]

Took the words right out of my young mama mind. Thank you for this. I have to remind myself that I’m not a terrible person to feel the way I do 🤍

[@emmak4730]

I have been depressed and full of anxiety for the past two years due addiction to watching pornography.like it is so hard for me to talk to some one about this . I am haunted by thoughts that tell me I am a fraud and liar who can't be free . I know that I have been running away from this truth that I need to talk about it for me to be completely free . I am really tired of this inner pain self hurt and bondage I feel. Her words have encouraged me and I will try talking about it . I really want to be free from this and live life as a true Christian.

[@ciaracampbell7925]

Jesus is helping you every step of the journey. I know that you will be able to overcome this, ask God to help you. i'm praying for you!

[@iloveseaglass]

Emmanuel Look up every mans battle a book. There are so many support group for your addiction. Get help so you can live again!

[@annaholland8502]

This so helps me thank u JoyFM & Natalie Grant for sharing I have struggled greatly with fear during this pandemic. I like her started having more fear and anxiety when I became a mom. God has helped me have victory over the course of my life in different areas that I have struggled with however I have not made through to the other side. What I realize is I will never live without no fear however I can learn to walk through it with the Father and I know he is with me and for me Always. However in the midst of the trial we can speak out and help others. Again Thank u thank u thank u God bless

[@chloelageaux769]

My goodness! I have been listening to Natalie Grant for over a decade! She is one of the first Christian singers that I started listening to when I came to Christ! I know that this has been such an obstacle for her but I'm glad that she's being open and transparent about it. Some people believe that once you are saved that all of your issues and problems go away. The truth is these challenges are suppose to remind us of the greatness of God.

[@drishtik1849]

Amen. In My weakness His strength is made perfect🥰

[@iloveseaglass]

Thank you. For. Sharing

[@sharonewig3900]

Thank you thank you!!! I'm not alone. Jesus is the only hope. You're so right. Praise you Jesus.

[@yolandagofigure]

I know all about postcard depression I suffered it with my daughter.. it wasn't pleasant my ex-husband was not even supportive at the time he was hard. I'm so happy you pulled through this Natalie your songs have inspired me throughout the years ever since I became a born again Christian God bless you my dear sister thank you for telling us your testimony. ❤️🙏

[@yolandagofigure]

Postpartum*

[@jeshurunfarm]

Thank you. Respect from Africa 🇿🇦

[@TAQ2Music]

Thank you for your honesty and transparency. Suffered from anxiety since childhood and depression since I moved to Florida (19 years ago) and PTSD. Christians have been the most harsh and critical, especially when I share with others.

[@michelleh.188]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! YOUR VULNERABILITY IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR! 🙏🏼🔥🙏🏼🔥💕💕🕊🕊

[@organizersrus]

I love your heart! I have struggled with major extreme depression and anxiety for a little over 30 years. Some seasons better than others. Is bad currently. Thank you for your transparency!

[@jaylawashington7313]

I am struggling so much right now and I just not trusting God and I am going to it’s hard but I know IT IS WELL AND GOD WANTS THE BEST ME GOD GOD WILL BRING ME THROUGH I just ask for prayers

[@robinrobinson-johnston3255]

So true. Thank you for sharing your heart and your struggle ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@josephschiavone402]

Natalie, we love you. Through the Lord you have blessed us, and through the Lord Most High I pray the peace of Jesus fill you to overflowing !

[@patriciapeak8662]

These are amazing to watch and I just want to thank you for being willing to show your vulnerability and pain with us.

[@ambrosia9]

Thank You Roger Breland!

[@Meemee-mo5it]

Thank you! Beautiful words and encouragement. 🤍

[@zmanag5297]

Thanks Natalie for your incredible honesty.

[@evangelicful]

Is it me- or is talk therapy- the most simplest of therapies- is what heals us the most? All that baggage just gets taken away when we talk about it with others!! Thank God for Bible studies like breakthroughs, celebrate recovery,recharge, divorcecare,griefshare, and so many more Bible studies!!

[@story_teller4268]

Praise God ❤️

[@beekeeper6778]

So inspirational... thank you

[@celiagonzales7686]

Yes I needed to hear that even though I struggle alot but yet try not to lose Hope .Yes God words are active and alive all we need is faith hope and love but the most is love.prayer is very important in our life but the most important is God we need Jesus died for our sins on the cross John 3:16 so always pray in the spirit or to yourself in all kinds of prayers in your life in Jesus Name amen . Thank you ,God bless you

[@peterchats9783]

I can relate about needing to the knowing the outcomes. I’m so happy for you - seems you are doing better now.

[@beverlypasco262]

Thank you!!! 😘Your choice to reveal your struggles will help heal so many!, your Faith is Beautiful . “The truth will set us free” 💝🙋🏻‍♀️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️

[@lailaespevoll6026]

YEEEESSS!!!! This is soooo needed to talk about!!! We have to give this a name!!! Thank you! We all think we all are perfect on the outside, but its sooo important to step up and speek the truth!

[@gregattanasio3185]

Thank you Natalie for your honesty...tx you 99.1 for this interview and all your interviews.. p.s.What a performance for the Georgia, Bama game...Natalie G is a Teue Light in a dark 🌎.....

[@terrilister1478]

Thank you Natalie. I have struggled with this for a good long while even though I cry out to Jesus and He is all I want or need. I have gone through much trauma in my life so I understand why I have this. But thank you for your honesty. It does help me and others to know that you're not alone and that we are some backslidden Christian

[@coletteg.4548]

♥️ Thank you for being “real” .

[@sylviaspain8953]

Beautiful and thank you.

[@beachprints]

Thank you for sharing Natalie

[@WWStudio360]

Thanks for sharing it brought healing to me.

[@laurawise7189]

Thank you for putting words to it for me. God blessed a lot of people through you.

[@JolovesDecor]

No truer words spoken. As Christians we were conditioned to believe if we fall, fail, or feel weak we’ve failed as a Christian. We’ve failed God. It’s taken years to realize, God never used perfection in His word to show His miracles, or use perfection to teach. He used those who believed in Him. He used those He could walk beside to teach, to heal, to comfort, to give Hope. God doesn’t ask for perfection, just belief in Jesus Christ, acceptance and repentance. The rest is a learning curve of all levels in our walk and relationship with Him. Forgiveness doesn’t require perfection. Only surrender. Natalie is amazing.

[@seeshel1961]

This video is going to help so many people including me.

[@erikahoward654]

Thanks for sharing.....it means so much to know we are not alone🙏

[@LizDee1212]

" In my weakness, his strengths is made perfect"

[@cknight169]

💕💕💕 such transparency ❤️

[@CynthiaLethatsme]

Thank you so much for sharing and being so open.

[@emilybrazzel6097]

Thank you so much for sharing!! When I was depressed, I listened to your music. It fed me and so little did during that dark chapter.

[@rowanf9026]

Thank you for your courage....🙏🏽 may God continue to fill your ministry.💙

[@stephanielabrier6226]

Oh my...this is me. Not the depression part, but anxiety and worry have reared it's ugly head again. I agree...the enemy whispers his lies when we are weak. He knows where we are weak. I feel like panic attacks are enemy attacks. O have my "go to" Scriptures I repeat over and over. I call him out and remind him he cannot have me I am a daughter of the King.💕

[@stephanielabrier6226]

I also do not think we are weak or don't love Jesus if we ask for help. I need Him so💕

[@silja.]

Thankyou Natalie!

[@patriciabritton5917]

Thank you so much for sharing this. What Natalie said spoke to me.

[@aprilbabson3219]

Just what I needed to hear today ❤️

[@tiffanybittman7523]

We all are only human. Love the truth. I have battled all of what you are talking about. Hold on.

[@debbiebooth7899]

Powerful message

[@daughteroftheking4001]

Thank you for sharing, I went through something similar due to a repressed memory of my mother's suicide attempt when I was a toddler. She eventually died when I was 13 from suicide. I am now completely free from fear but it was a long journey which started after my divorce of 22 years. My journey consisted of spending large amounts of time focusing on the Lord (Brother Lawrence "Practicing the Presence of God" was a turning point). I would bring my mind back to Jesus over and over whenever anything upset me and one night as the fear was trying to come on me I simply said aloud, "I trust you Jesus" and I felt the fear completely leave and the sense of a warm blanket surrounding me which greatly comforted me. I spent much time seeking the Lord in prayer, repentance, and just sitting at his feet. It was not instantaneous but over much time, one evening while in bed the fear was trying to come upon me again, I felt the Lord spoke to me to pray. So I lifted my hands and prayed in tongues for around one hour all the while I felt like there was electricity coursing all over my body when suddenly I felt it leave. It was a spirit of fear and it left me and I knew it. After that night the bondage to a spirit of fear was gone. I cannot say I never have the temptation to fear but it's different now I resist it when it comes as the Bible says, "Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee." Trust was my biggest issue, I believed the Lord loved me mentally but it wasn't in my heart as much as it needed to be. Eventually, through the focus on Jesus and his reliability and his great love and many prayers to know his love he brought me freedom. The scripture says that "Perfect love casts out fear". I think that in truly believing in my heart that God loved me and staying in right relationship with him and with the body of Christ - staying in a place of forgiving those who have sinned against me - that I continue to stay in victory over fear. The WORD is key and believing what it says is true about me. I also went through a short season of depression after my sister committed suicide but I practiced the same principal of submitting to God and resisting the spirit of heaviness and it could not gain any more ground in my life. These are spirits my brothers and sisters. We must fight it with the appropriate weapons. ( I'm not agains medicine because I had to take it for a while but now I'm not on any medicine for anything even thyroid which i was diagnosed with.) Do not feel condemnation by what I am saying but hope in the Lord and keep your eyes on him and he will be faithful to deliver you when the time is right. I love you my sisters and brothers! I hope this helps someone. I found that His LOVE and MERCY truly are great!

[@paulakey7704]

Amen!

[@janbrown5950]

Amen! Thank you so much for sharing your personal testimony. "God has not given us a spirit of fear.....". Indeed, He hasn't, but our enemy has! Anxiety and fear come from a spirit, that needs to be cast out, and it may surprise you to know that even Christians can have impure spirits. They don't need to be ashamed or embarrassed about the fear or anxiety they're battling, they just need to ask for deliverance. The devil loves to isolate us with these issues, but we need to be open and ask for help, from God and our fellow believers who are walking in the authority (and calling) that God has given us to cast out demons (Mark 16:17).

[@trudster2225]

Thank you for sharing what many of us want to.

[@Willing2Give]

Thank you, Natalie 😭 (your voice and your music have been such an inspiration to me since I came to know the Lord (that's why you are such a target for our enemy) and thank you JOY FM for these videos!! I have lived with anxiety and depression (undiagnosed, but I know it) for the last 10 years. Our son was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at age 17 and the day we found out was the moment I dropped to my knees and gave into FEAR. We had lived to honor God in our family Christian band (Choose This Day - or CtD - based on Joshua 24:15), and sang about God's goodness and faithfulness, and about the victory we would experience with God. BUT when the "fiery test" came, and we let fear in, anxiety and depression followed. Our son has had two kidney transplants over these years and is currently doing well physically, but spiritually and emotionally on a rollercoaster. Our family is stil struggling, but I am looking forward with hope that our God is working ALL things together for good. I literally have to remind myself time and time again that God loves us (proven through Jesus) and that He is ALWAYS good. ✝

[@jenredecop5626]

Thank you Natalie for sharing something so personal and honest. This was really helpful for me, more than you’ll ever know. 💕❤️

[@SamUnderwood-pw5sm]

I too am a Christian and have dealt with anxiety and depression for years, lost jobs because of it, but you're right we aren't bad Christians.

[@chrisperia3920]

This is so good… thank you.

[@kimberlydavis4719]

Thank you, your words are so beautiful and helpful !

[@Jennypenny1978]

Aww love this Natalie I just did a message God is attracted to weakness.

[@mr.freeindeed]

This made me love this woman of God even more. I love her live she truly sings and gives all the glory and honor to the Lord.

[@kellyschroeder2210]

Thank you for sharing 💗🙏🏻😘🤗✝️🙌🏻

[@anitatucker8812]

Love you Natalie 💕

[@ziondaniel7]

Completely identify with this 💗💗💗