Being a Christian with depression is very difficult. We are taught that The Lord is our joy, our peace, comforter and so much more. But what about when He does not feel like that?
My Story:
For most of my life I have been pretty happy. After a relationship ending in 2021, I encountered depression for the first time. To be honest, I heard many people talk about depression and knew people who experienced it. But I never understood it. I comprehended feeling sad, but living sad I could not not comprehend. Well, like most experiences, you have to go through it to understand it.
During this time, I found myself feeling so weak, empty, negative and as if there was a gray cloud over me. I still read my Bible, prayed, went to church and even served on leadership. But inside I was numb.
I needed help. So I sought professional help, going to a psychiatrist and a therapist. To help, I took prescribed medication. And being very important to me, I continued to surround myself around people and things I knew were good for me.Such as my church, godly friends, reading my Bible and praying.
After about a year, I weaned off of medication and found myself in a better place. But I still struggled with this day in and day out. Some days feeling so empty, feeling as if I had nothing to offer, and sometimes as if I had no purpose.
This year, I believe that I have overcome this battle! How? Below I have shared what I implemented to help me get to this place of freedom. I hope this can encourage you as you read.
Overcoming Depression:
When you have struggled with something for years, it starts to feel like it is a part of you. We have to recognize what is from God and what is not. Depression is not something God has for us or is to be a part of us. So it is time to let it go.
1. Pray for your Freedom
Prayer is powerful! Take depression to prayer, and pray that God takes it away, giving you freedom from it. Really believe this, with full faith. As you pray depression away, truly believe that it is gone. Your freedom is just around the corner.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
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2. Fill the Empty Space
Depression (or anything else) takes up space in us. In your mind and your spirit. As you’ve prayed that this is gone, that space is now empty. It is important to fill it and to fill it the right way. Pray that it is filled with the Holy Spirit, the fruit of The Spirit, the joy of The Spirit. Leaving no room for depression to return and take up space.
Read Matthew 12:43-45.
3. Continue to Contend
Sometimes when we pray that prayer can be answered in just a moment. Sometimes it is not. And that is ok!
The important thing is that we contend. Learning to fight for what we are believing in God for. When the thoughts or feelings of depression try to come back, capture those thoughts and feelings, and continue to pray and declare that it is gone. And declare God’s truth over yourself.
Below are some verses to help you in this journey!
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 23:3
He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
Psalms 30:11-12
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
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