Overcoming depression – Part2

The Bible says that Jesus “bore our grieves” on the Cross (Isaiah 53:4 NAS). He feels our pain as strongly as we do and will carry it for us. Give your hurt to Him. Then resolve not to dwell on it again.

Sin: Sometimes, depression is rooted in sin. You will never be at peace, if you ignore something in your life that you know is against God’s Will (I Timothy 1:19). If you know you are doing or have done something against God’s Will, admit to Him that it is wrong. Then ask His help in doing what is right. If you admit your sin and turn from it, God has promised to forgive you completely, and cleanse you from the sin (I John 1:9). Trust Him to do it.

If it is an ongoing sin and it seems too big for you to deal with, just deal with it today, this moment. Tell God that with His help, you will do the right thing right now. In addition, you may need to take some action to make up for your sin with those you have wronged. You may need a pastor or Christian counsellor to help you decide on what to do.

Don’t forget to obey God in the small things. Very often, it is because we have chosen to ignore Him in the small things that we slowly slip into bigger problems. You can reverse this slide. If you obey God in the small things, it will help put you back on track in the larger things. You may need to obey Him in something so simple as getting up early enough to get to work on time without rushing.

Wrong Thinking: What did you use to think about before you started feeling depressed? Did you think such things as “I’m no good,” or “I can’t do anything right,” or “This situation will never change?” It’s vitally important for you to find out what God says is the truth about you and your life. Read the Bible closely to discover what the real truth is (Ephesians 1:18-19). Once you find out the wonderful things God says about you, stop repeating negative things to yourself. Instead, memorise and repeat to yourself the truths you find in the Bible that contradict the negative thoughts.

Fill your thoughts with such truths as: “For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ, Who gives me the strength and power” (Philippians 4:13); “It is He who will supply all (my) needs from His riches in glory, because of what Christ Jesus has done for (me)” (Philippians 4:19); “For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want (me) to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them” (II Timothy 1:7). “Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, Who loved us enough to die for us” (Romans 8:37); “He personally carried the load of our sins in His own body, when He died on the cross, so that we can be through with sins and live a good life from now on. For His wounds have healed ours!” (I Peter 2:24)

In Conclusion
Admit to God you need His help in order to live rightly with peace and joy. Repent of any known sin. Accept God’s forgiveness and cleansing (I John 1:9).

Rebuild your spiritual life through Bible reading, prayer and fellowship with other Christians. Attend a local Bible-believing church faithfully. Being an active member in a church is a good way to begin to grow spiritually and learn an overcoming faith.
If your depression continues, seek help from your pastor or other qualified Christian counsellors. There ARE answers for you. However, finding and solving the root causes of depression does not always happen quickly.

And finally, don’t be surprised if once you are on the other side of depression, you thank God for this time of hardship and the good that has come out of it.

As You Pray
Ask God to reveal specific thoughts and actions He wants you to change. Agree with Him, when He points out sins and ask Him to help you change. Forgive others who have wronged you. Thank God for His love and ask Him for healing and a renewed joy in life.

For Further Study
God’s love for us — Psalm 42:4-11
The right way to think — Philippians 4:4-13
God is touched by our feelings —Hebrews 4:14-16
Repentance assures God’s presence —James 4:8
God gives peace — Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27