When Following Jesus Leads You Into Darkness: Cody Bobay on Depression, Discipline, and Unseen Battles

What if obedience didn’t lead to clarity—but to darkness?

In The Impossible Life Podcast Ep. 210 | When Following Jesus Leads You Into Darkness, Garrett and Nick sit down for a raw and unfiltered conversation with returning guest Cody Bobay—author, veteran, actor, and founder of Soulcon. In one of the most powerful episodes to date, Cody opens up about walking through 7.5 months of intense depression, not because he disobeyed God—but because he was following Him faithfully.

“I wasn’t in sin. I wasn’t in rebellion. I was doing everything God asked me to—and I was still in the dark.” — Cody Bobay

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s felt unseen, discouraged, or spiritually stuck—even while trying to do everything right. Cody’s story is a powerful reminder that Jesus sometimes leads you into the valley—not away from it—but never without purpose.

The Valley of Obedience: When Darkness Follows Faithfulness

We often assume that walking with God means walking in clarity, peace, and favor. But what happens when faithfulness leads to a season of darkness?

Cody shares how, after years of high-level ministry and leadership, he entered the darkest season of his life—not because he strayed, but because he was surrendered.

“God didn’t remove the depression instantly. He walked with me through it—so I’d know Him in it.” — Cody

This is what Psalm 23 means when it says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

The valley isn’t proof that you’re lost. It might be the proof that God is refining you.

What Depression in the Spirit-Led Life Really Looks Like

Cody is brutally honest: his depression wasn’t chemical, circumstantial, or rooted in obvious sin. It was soul-level darkness—an intense spiritual and emotional weight that couldn’t be explained away.

And he kept showing up.

• Preaching

• Discipling

• Obeying

• Trusting God

Even when he felt numb. Even when nothing made sense.

“I prayed every day. I read the Word every day. But I couldn’t feel anything. And I still showed up.” — Cody

That kind of discipline doesn’t come from hype. It comes from surrender. From living the truth that feelings are real—but they’re not Lord.

Discipline Isn’t the Opposite of Depression—It’s the Antidote

Cody doesn’t sugarcoat the discipline it took to endure.

• He kept training his body

• He stayed in the Word

• He kept leading his family

• He refused to back away from the mission

“I didn’t feel like a warrior. But I trained like one. Because I knew God was still worthy.” — Cody

This is the part of spiritual maturity few people talk about: doing what’s right even when it feels like it’s not working.

Garrett and Nick emphasized that discipline anchors you when emotion can’t.

“If you’re only obedient when you feel God, you’ll never survive the wilderness.” — Garrett

You’re Not Alone: How to Survive the Darkness

Cody’s message isn’t just raw—it’s deeply hopeful. He reminds us that we’re not the first to suffer in silence.

• David wrote Psalms from caves

• Elijah wanted to die after defeating the prophets of Baal

• Jesus Himself sweat blood in Gethsemane

You’re not broken if you’re hurting. You’re human.
And more importantly, you’re seen.

“God isn’t disappointed in your weakness. He’s with you in it.” — Cody

Whether you’re walking through depression, burnout, or spiritual disorientation, Cody urges one thing: Don’t isolate. Don’t hide. Reach out. Stay connected. Keep showing up.

Final Thoughts: The Darkness Isn’t Forever—But It Is Formative

If you’re in a dark season, it doesn’t mean God has left you.
It might mean He’s developing you.

• To know His comfort

• To depend on His Word

• To minister to others with compassion

• To walk humbly and powerfully in your calling

“The valley wasn’t my failure—it was my forging.” — Cody

So here’s the charge:

• Don’t mistake silence for abandonment

• Don’t let darkness define your identity

• And don’t give up just because it hurts

God is still God in the dark. And if you stay faithful, He’ll bring you through stronger than ever.

“Keep showing up. Keep honoring God. And don’t stop believing that light is coming.” — The Impossible Life