No, I am not a counselor. And there absolutely is a time to recommend professional help. However, many Christian leaders find themselves in a position to give guidance to those struggling. So, as I read my Bible, I look for resources for spiritual counseling, because I think the Bible is a very practical book on how to live your best life. It is absolutely the best counseling guide ever written.

I believe depression is real. And it happens to Christians. It happened to a great prophet, Elijah. Read I Kings 19. He was so depressed he wanted to die.

There are six principles and actions in this story that will help you deal with depression—and help you in your spiritual counseling.

1. Get rest. Elijah took a nap. Exhaustion can lead to depression, so take a break. A nap. Get away for a weekend. Take a vacation. Sabbath rest is a spiritual principle.

2. Eat. God sent food to Elijah. Take time to eat. Better yet, eat with a spiritual mentor or good friends. Not food on the run, and not fast food. Decent food. Healthy food. Food and fellowship.

3. Do what God says. I don't know if Elijah understood the journey to the mountain. But God told him to go, and he went. If you are not doing what you should, then start. Show up for worship. Be thankful. And obviously, stop doing what does not please God.

4. Spend time with God. Worship. Pray. Meditate. Read the Bible. Elijah was in the presence of God.

5. Listen to God. He may not speak in an audible voice like He did to Elijah, but He does speak. Listen to Godly people in your life. But above all, read God's Word. He will speak right into your life through His word.

6. Remember you are not alone. Elijah thought he was the only faithful prophet until God told him there were 7000 faithful prophets Elijah did not even know about. You are not going through anything that God's people have not faced before. You have a community of faith that will help you. They will walk with you.

Principles for depression. Use them. Share them.  

They help.