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 Sunday

   Bible Classes (10:00 am)

   AM Worship (11:00 am)

   PM Worship (3:00 pm)

 Thursday

   Bible Classes (7:35 pm)

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Piedmont Family YMCA

442 Westfield Road

Charlottesville, VA 22901
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How God is Different than Prozac

by Steve Klein

Many people in our nation take medicines like Prozac to alleviate depression, help them deal with stress, or enable them to function more effectively.  Tom Cruise and the religion of Scientology have famously opposed the use of such medication; Scientology encourages its adherents to undergo special counseling treatments called audits to clear them of their mental and emotional problems.

From a Bible perspective, there is no doubt that there are legitimate uses for medicines that improve our ability to deal with emotional difficulties and stress.  Long before modern pharmaceuticals, the wise man said, "Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart" (Proverbs 31:6).  But there can also be no doubt that many forms of stress and emotional upset could be dealt with more productively by stronger faith in God and words of encouragement from others.  Notice these passages:

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 34:4-5 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.

     1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

God will help us with our problems, to be sure, and He wants us to seek His help.  But that is not His sole purpose, and our relationship with Him should not be based merely on our need for help in overcoming our anxieties.  Too often, people turn to God just because they have a problem.  When they don't have a problem, they don't see their need for God. Psychologist and author Larry Crabb observed that "We've turned Him into a divine Prozac."  When we don't feel a need for God, we put Him on the shelf like a bottle of old medicine. 

Friends, God Almighty is much more than a problem fixer for troubled mankind.  A full relationship with Him is one that first recognizes His greatness, grace, majesty and authority. God is not like Prozac.  He doesn't exist merely to help us feel better.  Rather, we exist to serve and honor Him.  "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Other Articles by Steve Klein
Hairpin Curves
Gullibility
The Sprit of the Sadducees