In the past two days, I’ve had the pleasure of talking to several people who are either in the midst of depression or a member of their family is experiencing extreme depression. I say I’ve had the pleasure because it gives me an opportunity to share how BIG our God is. Many people know that God exists, pray to Him and maybe even go to church. But, there is another element that takes us from being depressed to being elated or full of joy. That element is relationship.
My birthday is in January, and I’ve made it a practice when it gets close to my birthday to meditate on the good things God has blessed me with. I start from the beginning of my birth, thanking God for my parents, sisters and brothers. I know without a doubt that if I would have had a choice of who to pick as my parents that I would have picked my Mom and Dad. They are perfect for me. There are family character traits that you can see in every member of my family. You’ll hear someone say, “That’s the Begley (my maiden name) in you.” My relatives will say, “You look just like your Daddy.” I continue to thank God for my husband, a caring and loving man who always looks out for my best interest. I thank God for the opportunity to mentor my children and grandchildren. Then, I’ll lift up the names of people in my life as they come to my mind and just thank God for bringing them into my life. Once I start, it’s hard to quit because being grateful is contagious. It brings great joy.
Depression is defined as “a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity; sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy.” On the other hand, elation is defined as “an exhilarating psychological state of pride and optimism; an absence of depression; a feeling of joy and pride; high spirits, lightness.” You can’t be depressed and full of joy at the same time. The focus of depression is on YOU – YOUR weaknesses, YOUR shortcomings, YOUR mistakes, YOUR lack of purpose, YOUR problems, the injustices against YOU. Depression is all about YOU! Gratefulness and joy are all about others, NOT you. Gratefulness and joy are products of a life that has purpose and security. The only way that I know to find these two important building blocks are in a personal relationship with Christ Jesus.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1, 2 NIV
Knowing about God and KNOWING GOD are two different things. If you were to marry someone and never develop intimacy with them, the relationship would never grow and probably die. On the other hand, if you work at getting to know that person and learn to blend your lives together you have the basis to establish a life-long satisfying relationship. How do you do that with God? Well, start by asking Him. Make a commitment to spend time with Him everyday in prayer, worship, or Bible Study. Ask Him to remind you of your commitment and desire when your schedule begins to crowd His time out. Respond to His still, small voice in obedience.
In both of the instances of friends dealing with depression, I directed them to discover who they are in Christ, to lose their identity in Him and to meditate on Psalm 91, discovering that God wants to protect and carry them THROUGH difficult times. YOU NEVER have to face problems alone. He wants to be YOUR shield, YOUR fortress and YOUR strength. Will YOU let Him? The choice is YOURS!
Facing or dealing with depression? Say this prayer:
“Father, I come to you in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above ALL names. YOUR name is above depression. I don’t want to be depressed; I want to be filled with joy. Help me to be grateful and to constantly remember all YOU have done for me. Help me to keep my focus on YOU, not me. I want people to look at me and say, “You remind me of your Father God. I want to be like you.” Change me; transform me into the person YOU want me to be. Help me to see Who I am IN YOU. Help me to rest in YOUR presence. I love YOU and trust YOU.”
Now, rest in His love. Believe YOU are who He says YOU are in Him. Hide yourself in WHO HE is and refuse to believe or meditate on the negative thoughts of who you are, who has hurt you, or the problems weighing you down. Time is off an essence. YOUR Father has a better plan for you. CHOOSE to live a life that is grateful and full of joy and depression will no longer have a hold on YOU.
