Though we live in a society with an increasing stressful lifestyle. We see Depression attacking the spirit and stealing the joy in people’s lives, we see the breakdown of families, marriages under pressure, unemployment, financial crisis and unruly children but as a child of God your case is different. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”.
When we take God, His love, His Power and His Kingdom out of our lives, family and our culture or way of life, then we become anxious, depressed, full of worry and hopeless. The bible says in Nehemiah 8:10b “This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Your work, environment, financial situation, marriage, Traumatic event such as divorce, bankruptcy, child abuse, sexual abuse, death or loss of a loved one should not determine your joy, God is the only true source of joy. God loves you; He created you. His desire for your life is wholeness, peace, happiness, prosperity, wellness, and joy.
The first step to overcoming the spirit of depression is by Praying to God. The bible says in Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. God is always ready to hear us when we cry unto Him.
Having a positive thinking and controlling your thoughts will help you in overcoming the spirit of depression. In Psalm 42:5 we see David pressing beyond his circumstances and taking authority over his thoughts, and the resulting depression. “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God” (MSG). Believing and Confessing God’s Word daily is one of the keys to overcoming depression.
Cultivating a cheerful heart is vital in overcoming the spirit of depression. The bible says in Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Your attitude, the way you approach the problems and trials of life, brings about good healing, therefore have a merry heart!
Depression can also be overcome by praising and worshiping God. The word of God in Isaiah 61:3 “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” You need to exchange the spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. God has not designed you to walk in a state of anxiety, depression, or hopelessness but in joy, praise, and victory! As you do this exchange, you will find out that the spirit of depression will be lifted.
Finally, cultivating supportive and Godly relationships around you will help in overcoming anxiety. You need to talk to someone reliable, someone in the place of spiritual authority, and someone trust worthy. Don’t be alone! Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 “Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. Talk to someone!!!