Life-Changing Benefits From Fellowship with Christ

I heard a successful business owner recently try to give advice to help people stop feeling depressed and anxious. I thought “this will be interesting” because in my spirit I was skeptical. Why? I didn’t think he was a Christian so I was curious what a non-Christian would say. His advice was that everyone is so busy with their lives that no one really cares or thinks about you. In other words, don’t worry what other people think about you. Because they don’t care, this frees you.

While there is a truth to this, Jesus Himself said that he does not accept the praise from humans (John 5:41) it isn’t the whole truth. First Corinthians 1:9 showcases an incredible reality: God’s faithfulness calls us into fellowship with Christ. This fellowship brings a host of benefits, which include freedom from depression and anxiety (as well as freedom from what other people think).

You might be reading this thinking “this is a pipe dream, girl, depression and anxiety are here to stay- look at the world we live in!” But friends, allow me to paint another picture...

I’m not minimizing the realities of these conditions in our minds. But I have seen people healed from depression and anxiety. I’ve been healed from them. From time to time they try to rear their ugly heads at me and what chases them away?

Fellowship with Christ.

Before I continue I need to share a few things. First, please know that I've seen first hand (both as someone who experienced these things to the nurse and caregiver of people suffering from them) the devastating things depression and anxiety can do. I'm not paying lip service to something I don't rely on truth. Second, anyone reading this who needs to reach out to their doctor or counselor for help, please do so. Scripture is clear that we're here to help carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2). Opening up ourselves to trusted and reliable Christians and professionals for help is likely part of the healing journey. How can I be so confident? Because fellowship with Christ will mean fellowship with other believers.

And finding fellowship with Christ brings healing realities to life. That word fellowship means “the share which one has in anything, participation.” Yes, Christ felt sadness, stress and empathy for other’s pain and consideration for others, but he did not identify with them and let them overwhelm him. He identified as His heavenly Father's Son.

As believers of Christ, we identify with Him. I'll say it again: we have permanent fellowship with Him. Because of this, when the onslaught of darkness rages against us, we can stand firm in the truth or at least keep getting back up when we’re knocked down. Why? Because even though we live in a fallen world, we are not these ailments and struggles. We are first and foremost daughters and sons of the King of Heaven and we share fellowship with His Son, our Savior. The permanent state of the Christian soul is our identity in Christ.

So when we find ourselves in the midst of a battle in our minds over worries, fears, struggles, sadness or unhealthy people-pleasing, Christ promises this list of treasures once once we’re joined to him: peace (Philippians 4:6-7), hope (1 Peter 1:3), joy in the Lord (John 15:11), abundant life (John 10:10) and so much more!

If you're joining along this week with our community to memorize this verse, I pray that we continue to become more aware of all the incredible benefits of being in fellowship with Christ!