Depression is defined in part as "a hollow; being in a low state; a state of sadness; dejection." The real cause of depression is not where we are, but our attitude about where we find ourselves. We will always have feelings, but we can make our feelings line up with our decisions. That's why God gives us the fruit of self-control. The Bible tells us to resist the devil so we resist depression and anything that resembles it because it is of the devil.
Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (James 4:7 NLT, Philippians 4:4 NLT)
Our number one enemy is Satan and his strategy of attack is through our thought process. We tend to be led by how we feel, but we must realize that feelings are fickle; they come from thoughts which change from moment to moment. Some people awaken in the morning with a little voice in their head saying, "I feel depressed." They think it is their own thought, not realizing that it is Satan making suggestions through their mind. We should be careful not to give undivided attention to every thought that comes into our mind because our feelings will follow our thoughts. Also, what we are thinking is not necessarily the truth.
As we grow in the knowledge of God’s word we will realize that we don’t have to pay attention to every thought that comes to our mind; we can bring our thoughts captive to the Lord Jesus and sift them for truth. We can choose to say, “The spirit of depression may want to attack me but the Lord says he is a shield around me, he bestows glory on me and lifts up my head” (Psalm 3:3). We can “put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” that is spoken of in Isaiah 61.
Telling ourselves the truth will defeat the enemy’s plan to “steal, kill and destroy” our day. We need to stand firm against his lies and defeat him with truth. We need to bring light into the darkness we are experiencing.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
Audio for Monday, November 26, 2012 -- Dealing With Depression (2)
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