OVERCOME DEPRESSION BY GOD’S WORD

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes DEPRESSION, but a GOOD WORD makes it glad” – Proverbs 12:25

The Scriptures enlighten us on how to OVERCOME DEPRESSION by GOD’S WORD: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes DEPRESSION, but a GOOD WORD makes it glad” (Pro.12:25). Depression describes feelings of dire despondency, dejection, and misery. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. Depression can cause one to feel alone, abandoned, isolated, and hopeless, like everything around one is falling apart. Everyone faces occasional disappointments, but when not dealt with, these can lead to discouragement, and in turn, to depression. Medically, depression is regarded as a common mental disorder. However, there are scriptural and spiritual perspectives and responses to heart-based phenomenon.

Satan uses depression to steal people’s spiritual power and freedom. He seeks to fill our minds with darkness and gloom and bring us down emotionally. However, God would have us live free from depression, filled with His joy, hope and worthwhile expectations. An important part of battling and overcoming depression is winning the war over our feelings. We will always have feelings, but we can make them align with God’s Word. When depression attacks, what we may feel like doing is to give up, but how we respond to depression makes all the difference. It’s so important to resist the devil and feeling of depression immediately, because the longer we allow it to remain, the harder it is to resist!

Many cases of depression are traceable to words. Today’s Bible passage contrasts different kinds of words: truthful speaking versus deceit (v.17); speaking like the piercings of a sword versus health-promoting tongue of the wise (v.18); truthful lip versus lying tongue (v.19); and heart-deep deceit versus counsels of peace and joy (v.20). Words will either elevate or depress us. They never leave us neutral. To overcome depression, we must “watch” what we listen to, hear, or imbibe. If we don't let the devil impress us with what he says or does, then he can't oppress us; and if he can't oppress us, then he can't depress us. We must learn to resist the devil and his words at his onset (1Pet.5: 8-9).

Although it may be due to a physical or chemical imbalance or medical and emotional causes, for a great number of people, depression is a spiritual issue and the Bible provides effective prescriptions and instructions on how to fight and overcome it.

Intentionally rejoicing and praising God in the midst of pain is the greatest thing to do: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice!” (Phil.4:4) Paul, writing from prison – a place of pain, encouraged Believers to delight and gladden themselves in God. When we choose to fix our attention on God and rejoice in the good things He has done, we make Him bigger than our problems.

When we worship God, we invite His Presence into our lives. He replaces disappointment, discouragement, and despair with His joy, peace, hope, and new breath of life: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psa.16:11). We can't control all of our circumstances, but we can let God’s Presence permeate our lives. We have a choice. We can actually turn things around by deciding to let go of the situations that caused discouragement and depression, and move toward the good things God has planned for our future. Depression doesn’t have to rule our lives. No matter what we’re going through, God is willing to help take and turn the pain into gain.

The mind is a major key to overcoming depression. Thoughts drive either anxiety or peace. Our thoughts affect every aspect of our lives; hence the importance of renewing our minds with God’s Word. The more time we spend reading and meditating upon His Word, the more it changes us from the inside out. God’s Word “is living and powerful” (Heb.4:12). It has the ability to change how we see ourselves and even our future. As we fill our minds with what God says about us and claim His promises as ours, it will bring hope and build our faith.