Depression is a terrible malady, and it is running rampant in our society. Depression is feeling of hopelessness and despair, than can take such a deep hold on an individual, that all kinds of other physical and emotional problems occur as a result.
What’s the cure for depression? Well, like most things, it depends on who you ask. Answers range anywhere from powerful drugs to long term psychoanalyzation. It is my conviction that God can, and will, lift one’s spirits and give lasting healing. The problem, however, is that many of God’s people do not understand how to receive all that Jesus lived and died to give them.
When you are depressed, the first thing to do is to come to the Bible, God’s word, and receive His promise, being totally convinced that He will do what He says. For some, it may be necessary to pray and ask God to help you get to that place, where you can completely rest yourself on His promises. You have to believe something, so why not believe God? He’s got a far better track record than anyone, or anything, else out there.
Next, try to determine why you are depressed. It is possible that you have a chemical imbalance in your body, so you certainly need to look at your diet, exercise, rest, etc. Depression is often anger that is turned inward. There may be issues that you have never really allowed yourself to deal with, and it has built up such a pressure within you, that the result is deep depression. Again, come to the Bible and see what God says about the proper way to handle your anger. Another trigger for depression is deep seated fear. The Bible says, “Fear has torment,” and it really does. There is so much the Bible says about fear, and the antidote for fear is faith; finding God’s promise and standing on it.
What comes out of your mouth is extremely important in dealing with your depression. I have developed several confessions that I repeat quite often. I have taken these right out of the Bible, things like, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it,” etc. When you are depressed, this is about the last thing you feel like doing, but it has supernatural power to your soul.