Although pop star Katy Perry has said she is no longer a Christian, she continues to draw attention to a song she titled "By the Grace of God," where the former gospel singer credits the power of God for helping her overcome depression.
In a recent interview, Perry revealed that when she wrote 2013 hit, she was tempted to commit suicide due to the depression faced after her divorce with comedian Russell Brand.
"[It] is the first song that I wrote coming to make this record, when I was in a different place, I was in a darker place," said Perry to 'The Project' at the backstage of Perth Arena in Australia.
"Sometimes you can be blinded by your extreme emotions. I definitely was looking for answers, and during that time I wrote that song, and I was depressed and it was sad. And there were thoughts, but there were never actions...thankfully."
Lyrics include the lines, "By the grace of God (there was no other way) / I picked myself back up (I knew I had to stay) / I put one foot in front of the other and I / Looked in the mirror and decided to stay.
Wasn't gonna let love take me out / That way/I know I am enough/Possible to be loved."
The 30-year-old "Roar" singer said she wanted to tell her story to help others struggling with similar difficulties.
"You always feel like you're the only one going through it," said Perry.
Earlier this year, the iconic popstar, who was raised in a Christian home by her pastor parents, said she had renounced her Christian faith.
"I don't believe in a Heaven or a Hell, or an old man sitting on a throne," said Perry to Marie Claire magazine in the January 2014 edition. "I'm not Buddhist, I'm not Hindu, I'm not Christian, but I still feel like I have a deep connection with God."
Perry's rejection of her faith became evident in her overtly Satanic performance of "Dark Horse" at the 2014 Grammys, which prompted Christian singer Natalie Grant to leave the awards ceremony early.
"I released a gospel record when I was 15 because I grew up in a household where all I ever did was listen to gospel music," Perry explained to Australian TV presenter Ruby Rose. "I swear I wanted to be like the Amy Grant of music but it didn't work out, and so I sold my soul to the devil.
Rev. Jim Weiss, a former Satanist-turned-hospital chaplain, says Perry's struggle with depression and darkness is evidence of a spiritual battle within her.
"Katy Perry is not simply struggling with depression, she is fighting what she knows to be true, and that is the truth of the Bible," he said.
"Spiritual warfare is a very real, very dangerous thing. She is in the midst of a spiritual warfare; a war within her between good and evil, between God and Satan. May we pray that rejects the darkness and turns once again Jesus, the one she knows is the only true Savior and Lord."
