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)
In life, we all must deal with storms that can send us swirling into the depths of depression . . . if we let it. Depression is one of the enemies’ greatest weapons against us. It can steal our joy and rob our peace. It can cause us to grow weary in our well-doing until we find ourselves doing very little of nothing 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. This is the wisdom of the world, not the wisdom of the Word. Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms that we will face trials of many kinds on this side of the grave. But we are not to get depressed over them. We are to be delivered through each trial because Jesus has already overcome the world. We have all we need to defeat depression because we have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. In the power of the Holy Spirit, we can win the war over our feelings and defeat depression.
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 discouragement that ultimately leads to depression. Remember, greater is the power that is at work in you than any power that comes up against you. Resist the devil who wants to oppress you and you will not give him a foothold to depress you. Go on the offensive. Be proactive. When the devil comes knocking, do not let him in.
Oh, one final point. As you resist the devil, respond to Jesus who has promised to never leave nor forsake you. Keeping Jesus front and center in your life and counting your blessings each day, is the key to defeating depression.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 