Victory Over Depression (1)

He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains.  (Psalm 107:14 NLT)

Does our happiness depend on everything in our life being just right?  For many of us, if we correctly observe how we live from day to day, the answer is yes.  However, the truth is that if we think we can't be happy until all our circumstances are right, we will never be happy.

We all experience times in life when we feel down for various reasons.  Under perfectly normal circumstances we sometimes get tired and emotionally drained.  Satan, the ultimate liar, tries to use anything for evil, including normal “down times” that indicate the need for rest and renewal.  At those times, and any time, in whatever ways he can, Satan seeks to fill our minds with negative thoughts and emotions.   He is a discourager.  He is the giver of despair and he just wants to pull us down and keep us down. 

But Jesus is our encourager.  He knows our weaknesses.    Jesus is the generous supplier of strength to the weary.  He came to lift us up. He, through His Holy Spirit, brings righteousness, peace, and joy to our lives.  He came to give us abundant life and warns us to be aware that the thief’s purpose is to steal kill and destroy our lives. 

Our first choice in each situation we encounter is to believe the lie of the evil one, or believe the promises God has made to us.  As we look to God for whatever we need today, including encouragement and strength to get through whatever we are facing, we will find God’s dependable help is available.  The direction we are given in God’s word in the Bible will help us live in victory over depression each and every day.  Let’s offer up the following prayer to the God who loves and cares for each one of us.

God, my heart is heavy and times are hard.  I need strength and comfort to get through this day.  Thank you that you will never leave me or forsake me during this hard time.  Thank you for the encouragement and comfort you are providing.  I receive the help and support you are giving.  I rest in your strength and trust in your ability to get me through today.  Thank you that you care for me and work for good in the things that concern me today. Amen

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