Have you ever been depressed? Not sure? Have you ever had a constant feeling of sadness, or a loss of interest that keeps you from your normal activities? This would be the definition of depression. Pre-Covid, 20-30% of young teens suffered from depression with almost 9% of them attempting suicide. The chart below shows that during the Covid-19 pandemic, over three times more people were susceptible to depression. Some of the effects that depression has on a person is a loss of appetite, sleep deprivation, intense stress, extreme sorrow and inward questioning.
I am not a medical professional, so I cannot speak to the prescribed medication given for extreme cases of depression. However, I do know that God’s Word has an antidote for any struggle we may face (Psalm 119 is a great place to find all that God’s Word can address).
I may not know what you are going through individually…but I do know you are not alone. Many are or have struggled with depressing thoughts, including Asaph. I would encourage you to read Psalm 77:1-9 and see that the same thoughts Asaph had are the same thoughts we can have when battling depression.
I would love to give you the answer to defeating depression from God’s Word. In fact, this is not original with me, Asaph will give us the answer in Psalm 77:10-15.
When battling with depression, we tend to forget a few vital weapons that help ward off these life crippling feelings. Whether you have battled depression, or are currently facing it head on, here are a few things to remember:
1. Remember God’s past blessings (Psalm 77:10)
What has God done in your past that you can bring to mind? What prayers has He answered? What ways has He been good to you?
2. Remember God’s marvelous works (vs. 11)
What has God done in history? How has He shown His power through the Bible?
3. Remember to repeat these thoughts in your mind (vs. 12)
With the answers to 1 and 2, do not just bring them to mind, meditate on them. Write them down, think on them and talk to others about them.
4. Remember to praise God through your depression (vs. 13-15)
You will not help but start to praise the Lord when you see His handprint in your past and eternity past.
As you dwell on your depression, God will seem silent. As you look to God, you will notice that though He may seem silent, He has not ceased to be sovereign. He is in control at all times.
If you look around you, you will always find problems. If you look up, you will always find the solution.
May God help you look off of the struggle and on to Him!