JOIN US THIS SUNDAY AT 10AM
The Battle With Depression is Over, Pt. 1
Philippians 4:4-9 says, “4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Philippians 4:4-9 (TPT) says, “4 Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One! 5 Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. 6 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, 7 then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. 8 So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. 9 Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things.”
Depression has been medically prescribed as a chemical imbalance in the brain. In church, we deem it as a spirit that weighs us down, dictating our thoughts and emotions. Today, we are going to marry both of these.
In saying this, every physical pain is not because of an emotional sickness. Fracturing your ankle does not mean that you are unstable in your walk with God for example. If we say this, we fall back into the trap of decades and centuries of church who believed that every physical pain means you need a demonic spirit cast out. Get to the root of depression and find its starting place.
Here are some sources of depression:
1) Unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances overwhelm us, such as the passing away of a loved one.
* Psalm 40:12 says, “For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.”
* Proverbs 15:13; 17:22 – A broken heart is the root of depression.
* 2 Corinthians 7:5-6a – Depression happens when fighting is all around you and fear is within you. However, it is a prime opportunity for God to comfort the depressed.
* We have to face circumstances like this, and it can break us or make us stronger. Quit blaming yourself for issues that happened that were out of your control. You need to know in spite of how you feel, God is with you every step of the way, and He wants to make you a rod of encouragement, bringing healing to others who have been through similar situations. You may not understand what you are going through, but when you allow God to show you the truth, He can fill the void and make you stronger. You must know you have a pleasant hope and a future. You have more to reach out for than to hold on to!
* Psalm 40:12 says, “For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.”
* Proverbs 15:13; 17:22 – A broken heart is the root of depression.
* 2 Corinthians 7:5-6a – Depression happens when fighting is all around you and fear is within you. However, it is a prime opportunity for God to comfort the depressed.
* We have to face circumstances like this, and it can break us or make us stronger. Quit blaming yourself for issues that happened that were out of your control. You need to know in spite of how you feel, God is with you every step of the way, and He wants to make you a rod of encouragement, bringing healing to others who have been through similar situations. You may not understand what you are going through, but when you allow God to show you the truth, He can fill the void and make you stronger. You must know you have a pleasant hope and a future. You have more to reach out for than to hold on to!
2) The feeling of being abandoned and alone, completely friendless.
* Psalm 30:6-7 – David became depressed because it seemed as though God had hid His face from Him. He became prideful when God was with Him, which we often do if we are not careful. Sometimes, God will hide His face from us to test and see what is truly in our hearts. He is waiting to see if we will humble ourselves, pray and seek Him wholeheartedly until we find Him!
* You must receive this revelation: you are not alone! This feeling of loneliness can create an anxious fear. Proverbs 12:25 (TPT) says, “Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.” You need to surround yourself with people who can encourage you, and despite whether or not you have this type of support system, do as King David did and encourage yourself in the LORD. Be filled with the Spirit of God in such a way that you can speak His Word over you and meditate upon it, changing the atmosphere of your mind so you can walk in His joy and peace!
* Psalm 30:6-7 – David became depressed because it seemed as though God had hid His face from Him. He became prideful when God was with Him, which we often do if we are not careful. Sometimes, God will hide His face from us to test and see what is truly in our hearts. He is waiting to see if we will humble ourselves, pray and seek Him wholeheartedly until we find Him!
* You must receive this revelation: you are not alone! This feeling of loneliness can create an anxious fear. Proverbs 12:25 (TPT) says, “Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.” You need to surround yourself with people who can encourage you, and despite whether or not you have this type of support system, do as King David did and encourage yourself in the LORD. Be filled with the Spirit of God in such a way that you can speak His Word over you and meditate upon it, changing the atmosphere of your mind so you can walk in His joy and peace!
3) Chemically unbalanced due to an unbalanced life. (tense schedule)
* Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.”
* Your source of depression is not being able to do the things you want, but misalignment with your position as a child of God and fulfilling the dream of heaven, which is a kingdom family! Balance your life with keeping Jesus at the center. Your relationship with God is priority. Without it, your life is out of balance to begin with. It goes God, family, church and work. Work and church can potentially switch because you are in full-time ministry!
* Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.”
* Your source of depression is not being able to do the things you want, but misalignment with your position as a child of God and fulfilling the dream of heaven, which is a kingdom family! Balance your life with keeping Jesus at the center. Your relationship with God is priority. Without it, your life is out of balance to begin with. It goes God, family, church and work. Work and church can potentially switch because you are in full-time ministry!
4) Being successful and unaccomplished while meditating on failed goals.
* Hebrews 12:5 – Our failures can at times relate to God’s correction, but there is no need to be depressed. It will make you stronger and wiser at the end!
* Psalm 143 – Do not meditate on the “good ol’ days”.
* Depression can be the feeling of a lack of worth when your worth is in your position as a child of God. Don’t pray to be used. Have you ever been used in a relationship? God does not want to use you contrary to popular belief in the church. He wants communion and fellowship. He wants your time in prayer and hearing His voice, and your willing sacrifice positions you to adopt a life of prayer and obedience to Him. Depression is the lack of value, or, better yet, putting value in the wrong resources. It leads to low self esteem. Therefore, it is about recognizing your value to God and the family of God! You cannot see yourself through the lens of failure and mistake, but the lens of a Creator who makes a way where there seems no way!
* Hebrews 12:5 – Our failures can at times relate to God’s correction, but there is no need to be depressed. It will make you stronger and wiser at the end!
* Psalm 143 – Do not meditate on the “good ol’ days”.
* Depression can be the feeling of a lack of worth when your worth is in your position as a child of God. Don’t pray to be used. Have you ever been used in a relationship? God does not want to use you contrary to popular belief in the church. He wants communion and fellowship. He wants your time in prayer and hearing His voice, and your willing sacrifice positions you to adopt a life of prayer and obedience to Him. Depression is the lack of value, or, better yet, putting value in the wrong resources. It leads to low self esteem. Therefore, it is about recognizing your value to God and the family of God! You cannot see yourself through the lens of failure and mistake, but the lens of a Creator who makes a way where there seems no way!