An American author wrote that a single person with a real relationship with God is never depressed. Several readers agreed, but others were offended. Is it normal for a Christian to have moments of sadness or frustration?

Colossians 2.10 (NKJV) is clear: “ and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Yes, it’s true, in Christ, we have everything we need. Also “Those who go to him for help are happy, and they are never disgraced”, says Psalm 34.5 (NCV). Indeed, we are delighted by His grace during a good Christian convention or retreat with God.

We live in a physical world, and we all get distracted by the things of this world. Do we need a house to do God’s work? No, but God never said it was wrong to desire one. Lust is a sin, however, there are lots of things we can legitimately desire as human beings. Wanting to get married is one of them!

All singles (except eunuchs) have times in their lives where they are tired of their social status and they want to get married. They might feel frustrated, and feel that God has forgotten them. Does that mean that they are not good Christians? No, we are all human, but Christ paid a high price for us to live in joy. So shouldn’t we remain in that state?

So, what can we do when we have moments of depression? Here are some ideas:

• Take a good time of praise and thanksgiving with God. Sometimes turning our thoughts toward what we have instead of what we don’t will help us smile again.
• Talk openly and honestly about your frustration with God. Tell Him why you are fed up of waiting, why you are sad, but above all, give Him time to answer you. He will not judge you, the Holy Spirit is called the “Comforter”.
• Get out of your house! Do You want to find a special someone? Well, look for it! God will not send your future husband or wife to knock on your door. We are not saying to go hunting, just make yourself available in places where there are other Christian singles.
• Change your mind by having a party with some of your single friends (this is a thing you might not be able to do anymore when you’re married with a few kids!).
• Improve yourself. Try a new recipe, clean your home, go to the gym… become more attractive, more interesting; become “a good catch”, as our grandmothers would say.

In short, yes, depressing moments can happen, even when we are in love with Jesus. However, we must not stay there. God gave us a thousand ways to regain the joy of our salvation!