Depression…and Hope

I would like to bring you a message of hope with regard to depression.

 Now, more than ever, we need to stay connected with people. Isolation is the cause for relapse into our unhealthy, addictive coping behaviors, which can plunge a person into depression. Some of you may be suffering from depression for the first time, or you have been in depression for weeks, months, or even years. I am here to tell you that there is hope to be found and there is freedom from depression. The solutions for all of our problems is found in the Word of God.

What is depression? It is a feeling of sadness and dejection (which is, being in a sad and depressed state, low spirits, or melancholy), and is accompanied by a pessimistic mindset.

·    Some of the causes of depression are negative thinking patterns, unresolved anger, repeated feelings of rejection, wrong priorities, or feelings of incompetence.

·    In other cases, it may be a biochemical problem. If our neurotransmitters are out of balance, the brain is unable to maintain stability, which in turn may cause depression.

·    Some medications, alcohol consumption, or illicit drugs may also be the cause of depression.

You may be wondering then, how do we begin to bring ourselves out of depression?

·    First, let go of unforgiveness you are holding toward those who have hurt you. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” The Good News is that God will handle those who have wronged you. He does not let the guilty go unpunished. Being unforgiving binds you to the person that hurt you and keeps you in prison.

·    Second, examine your foundation for your self-worth, self-confidence, and security. God chose us as His own before He established the foundations of the world. He created us in His image and likeness.

·    Third, keep lines of communication open. Ecc. 4:9-10 “Two are better than one, because they have good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” Tell a trusted friend what you’re going through and ask them to pray with you and for you. You will find this to be an encouragement.

·     Fourth, develop a giving heart. Being in a state of depression places the focus on you and creates self-centered thinking. When you reach out to others who are in pain, you will find that your depression will lift.

·    Fifth, focus daily on God’s concern for you. His love and care are always available. Ephesians 2:4-5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”

·    Sixth, develop a plan of action by doing the following:

o Look at your needs in the spiritual area

o Look at your needs in the physical area

o Look at your needs in the emotional area

I hope you have found help, hope, and encouragement. Please reach out to a medical professional if you have a biochemical imbalance to properly treat your depression.  

Psalm 30:2 “O, Lord My God, I cried out to You, and you healed me.” He is always near you, He hears your prayers, and He answers them.

 May you experience the peace, hope, and healing He has for you today.