Defeating Depression

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

We all encounter storms in this life that can send us swirling into the depths of depression . . . if we allow it to happen. Depression is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons against us. It destroys our joy and disrupts our peace. Depression can cause us to grow weary in our well-doing, taking us to a point where we find ourselves doing very little of anything at all. Once depression has its grip on us, it will cloud our vision and dull our senses in our service of our Lord. Depression will cause us to feel alone and isolated from the rest of the world.

So how do we defeat depression? First, we must not buy into the common misunderstanding that depression is a natural response to the difficulties we face in life. That is the wisdom of the world, not the wisdom of the Word. Jesus told us in no uncertain terms that we will face trials of many kinds in this life, but we are not to get depressed over them. We will be delivered through each trial, because Jesus has already overcome the world. We have been given all we need to defeat depression, because we have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside us. We can win the war over our feelings and defeat depression in the power of the Spirit.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Disappointments will come and go, but we can resist the devil, who wants us to descend into the discouragement that ultimately leads to depression. Never forget, Christian, that the power that is at work within you is greater than any power that will come against you. Resist the devil, who wants to oppress you, and he will not gain a foothold to depress you. Go on the offensive! Be proactive. When the devil comes knocking, do not let him in. Lock the door of your heart.

One final point: As you resist the devil, respond to Jesus, who has promised never to leave or forsake you. Keeping Jesus front and center in your life and counting the blessings He has given you every day are the keys to defeating depression.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!