Christ First Forum

by **Remnant** » 18 Mar 2011, 09:34

Depression And How To Overcome It
By Frank Holmes

I do not believe that their is a person living or who has lived that has not dealt with some form of depression. All through the bible we see where men and women of God dealt with depression.

In 1 Kings 19:4 we see Elijah, it says: But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

in Job 3 it talks about how Job was very depressed and in Job 9:21 He said, I do not take notice of myself, I despise myself. Here we see that he even got to the point where he didn't even want to go on and hated his life.

David in Psalms 31:9 said: My eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. All of these men had something in common. They were depressed. Yet they eventually overcame it.

First let me say that this message is based strickly on the biblical and scriptural perspective. No way am I trying to play doctor by giving medical advise as a doctor might give. Of course, I believe the ultimate and great physician is God and the Lord, Jesus Christ. This message is one based upon faith, fellowship and following Him. As one who has battled and still do from time to time this thing called depression. My hopes and prayers is that this message will help someone else overcome depression.

I would like for us to look at (1) What causes depression? (2) How does one overcome it? (3) Realizing and believing that it should only be temporary.

(1) What causes Depression?

Depression is a condition described as often as an emotional condition, either neurotic or psychotic, characterized by feelings of hopelessness, inadequateness's, gloominess, dejection, sadness, difficulty in thinking and concentration and inactivity. Depression often causes the wrong decision making or action or conduct in a person. If this describes you, then you are not alone.

What causes all of this to come about?

A. Stress! I believe this is probably the #1 cause today. The American Academy of Family Physicians claim two thirds of all office visits to family doctors are due to stress related symptoms. Overworked, pier pressure, circumstances or events that lead up to a personal life change due to death or divorce. Their are son many stress related problems that spiral down and leads on into depression.

B. Physical Sickness! Not being in good health either by our own doing or some neglect or due to a sudden sickness or ailment that is totally unexpected. This why we should take care of our body. It is the Temple of God. By His stripes we are Healed!

C. Lack of Self Esteem! Lack of self Worth. We are more then Conquerers through Christ Jesus

D. Financial Problems! God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory.

E. Guilt! Discouragement and guilt is the very opposite of faith. It is Satan's devise to thwart the work of God in our lives. Discouragement blinds our eyes to the mercy and provisions of God and makes us perceive
only the unfavorable circumstances of the moment.

(2) Now let us look at the ways we can overcome depression.

A. By believing and applying the promises of God for our lives as believers in Christ Jesus. So, the First step to overcoming depression is through a personal relationship and belief in Jesus Christ.

Depression is the opposite of what we can find through our relationship with Jesus. Such as Love, Peace, Joy, Hope and Assurance. One of the main things that I was looking for when I was depressed and did not have the Lord in my life was peace.

When we are born again, the Holy Spirit indwells us and gives us what is refered to as the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

These scripture tell me that in Christ Jesus we can have peace. Jesus said in John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You see, what the world offers us is temporary, but what Jesus gives us is permanent.

Ask yourself, where does your joy come from? Where can you find peace? Who gives you self control? 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. This tells us that when depression hits and clouds our mind through thoughts of confusion, hopelessness and inadequacies we need to dwell and reflect on scripture that tells us otherwise. Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Once I came to the realization that it was no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and the Holy Spirit that indwells me then I could Identify with who I am in Christ Jesus and that I had to put my trust in Him and by faith believe in what He promised for all of us who are His children.

I think the biggest reason people stay depressed is their inability to trust God fully in all circumstances of life.

Finally, One of the keys to overcoming depression is based upon ones prayer life.

B. Prayer! We must pray without ceasing. Our prayer life is essential in our daily walk and actions. How we respond to life situations depends on how much you communicate with God. If you do not talk to Him on a daily bases, how can you know what he is saying to you or revealing to you about the citations in your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. We must make our request known to Him. Accept his answer, whether it be yes, no, or wait. If you wait on the Lord He will renew your strength. Yield yourself to His guidance instead of your own. Exercise your faith. Walk by it and live by it, believing it instead of doubting what God said He would do. It is impossible to please God without faith.

Finally, get into the word, study, attend bible classes and above all do not forsake the assembly of others who are in Christ Jesus. They will help support you in your hour of need and encourage you.

In closing I would like to restate that what I have shared on how to overcome depression is based upon the word of God and my own experience. I like many others who suffered with depression was once diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and other mental problems by psychiatrist and physiologist. This was many year ago before I was saved.
I am also aware and know that they are those who have brain damage and mental illnesses of other sorts that may bring on depression. It would be wrong of me to say that there is no hope for these who are afflicted with such because all things are possible with God.

Depression will show up again from time to time, but in Christ Jesus, I have found relief and a way to overcome it. My prayer and hope for you who suffer with this, that you find what I have found by Identifying with who you are in Christ Jesus and abiding in His word. If you don't Know Jesus then you cannot know peace, for He is our peace.

by **Carmela** » 18 Mar 2011, 17:11

I totally agree, Frank. . .great post!

by **Jeani** » 19 Mar 2011, 08:23

Thanks for sharing, Frank...

I, personally, don't suffer from depression,but since I've been around many MI, I have learn that depression can result from our not depending upon God for our every need, Satan attacks,those who do not know Christ personally, and those that TRULY HAVE CHEMICAL IMBALANCES within the brain...

Depression is just a SYMPTOM of some MI...

My son is schizophrenic,but he really doesn't suffer from depression....

Sucide is never a thought in his mind,but I've seen SELF DESTRUCTION, within him that he hasn't seen...

To me, that's a FORM of depression...

I can understand WHY a MI person would feel DEPRESS because society and some churches do not UNDERSTAND or JUDGES those with any kind of MI..

I sooo believe that God can HEAL 'IF' it's in HIS WILL...but we all know that God chose to leave the THORN within Paul's side...

I believe it's through SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF GOD'S WORD that I believe a MI person can stay healthy,but I also believe, God uses meds and pdocs to help a MI person stay healthy...

Just as God will allow a med or operation or chemo treatments to be apply to any sick part of our body as well as our mind....

I, personally, believe people don't fully understand that the MIND can be as sick as ANY PART OF THE BODY...

Is not the MIND PART OF THE BODY? Of course, it is...

I've known many strong God believing Christians who are suffering from some kind of health problems within their lives,but that DOES NOT mean they have a LACK OF FAITH as some religions teach...

Or should I say...it's demonic...it's only demonic....and the demons can be cast out if only you have FAITH...

I know upon salvation, EVERY BELIEVER receives FAITH so suffering is not the lack of FAITH...

The Pharisees accused Jesus as being DEMONIC in the Bible,and yes, Jesus greatly suffered for our sins...

I just CHERISH prayers for my son, because I know that GOD is the one who holds him together...

I give HIM ALL THE PRAISE each day...

My son made a profession of faith, when he was 8 years old, and upon that profession he became a little Zacchaeus...

He ' re dedicated' him life again about a year ago within our church.

He had his first major relapse at 22 years old, and the disease took hold of his mind starting at 15...

For eight years he has almost died numerous times,but I'm happy to say as of today, he's doing well...

He's able to 'maintain his disease' through taking Abilify,and I KNOW one day in heaven, HE WILL HAVE A PERFECT MIND as I will have my PERFECT BODY...

Sooo God has allow me to learn MANY TRUTHS about MI so that I would not be JUDGMENTAL,but have an UNDERSTANDING heart, to help those SPIRITUALLY and PHYSICALLY..

God has led my husband and I in a different PURPOSE in life,and we're not to be EMBARRASS upon God's leading...

It's true my TOTAL DEPENDANCE UPON GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, AND HIM that I LEAN UPON.

I have NEVER BLAME GOD for my son's illness,and no, I'm not to the point where I can PRAISE HIM in my son's suffering..

I just know that God LOVES my son soo much more than I ever could,and I ACCEPT it's HIS WILL for my son's life...

I just praying that God will ALLOW my son to be used for HIS GLORY to reach many through his illness.

That God will USE HIM FOR HIS GLORY..and how much more suffering from this illness...

Love you, Frank...

by **Remnant** » 19 Mar 2011, 08:45

Jeani, I know that this is a subject that hits close to home for you and I pray that your son will one day be healed. This message is meant for anyone who deals with depression. With all that is going on in the world right now with the oppression of circumstances of life, I felt led to share this message. This message was in no way intended or directed toward you. Please do not think that. That is one of the reasons I closed with this.

In closing I would like to restate that what I have shared on how to overcome depression is based upon the word of God and my own experience. I like many others who suffered with depression was once diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and other mental problems by psychiatrist and physiologist. This was many year ago before I was saved.
I am also aware and know that they are those who have brain damage and mental illnesses of other sorts that may bring on depression. It would be wrong of me to say that there is no hope for these who are afflicted with such because all things are possible with God.

I believe you know that God could heal your son, Just like I know that God could heal Joan. Right now we have to accept the journey and walk in it by faith believing that one day she and your son will be healed. Joan takes meds to help in this process, just like your son takes meds in this process. We go to doctors for help, but like Joan's doctor always says, it is in the Lords hands and it is up to Him as to when, or if you will be healed. Of course we all know the ultimate healing comes from the Lord through our salvation in Him.
:yagl

by **Jeani** » 19 Mar 2011, 10:46

Thank you, Frank, for your sweet, understanding words to me...

I think sometimes we forget that depression is an EMOTION God has given us...

Even,as you stated, Job and Paul got depress, sometimes during their own sufferings...

I see this as NORMAL that God has given to us in this emotion,but when it's an chemical imbalance, it's not..

I think during these depressing times that we can or maybe not DRAW CLOSER TO GOD...depending upon one's relationship with Christ..not meaning salvation...

He wants that closeness with us so He does allow depressing circumstances to come into our life to draw us closer to Him..

It's very hard for me, personally, to always count it as Joy when God allows me to be in a trial...

I never blamed Him,and I feel that once He bought us upon salvation, He has the right to do with us as He sees fit...

It's no longer our lives,but His...

We're merely human when depression sets in temporary...

God bless...

by **Remnant** » 19 Mar 2011, 13:46

I think sometimes we forget that depression is an EMOTION God has given us...

I will have to disagree on this one Jeani and I do not believe scripture bares this out. Depression is allowed to come upon us, but I do not believe that it comes from God. I also do not believe it is an emotion. It brings about emotions, such as fear, anxiety, hopelessness etc.

Just like God never temps us in anything. The devil does. He only test us in time of temptation.

by **Lionheart** » 19 Mar 2011, 16:19

Thanks Pastor for this brief but concise, informative and personalized post on a complex issue which many suffer from in some degree...

by **Jeani** » 19 Mar 2011, 20:46

I guess we 'disagree' on this...

For instance: Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us that we are to love God "with all our hearts".

Now in theScriptures the heart refes to the place of our thinking, percieving, understanding, deciding and feeling.

The heart, in the Bible, is the place and source of our emotions.

To love God with all the heart is to obey God with your mind, your will, AND your emotions!

Does the Bible support this idea of loving, serving and obeying God with your emotions? Yes, I believe He does..

I Thessalonians 5:25 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"

In the passage above from I Thessalonians 5 the apostle Paul prays for the saints at Thessalonia that their entire being -spirit, soul, and body-would be preserved and sanctified.

What exactly does this mean and how does it apply to our emotions?

The word "sanctified" in Scripture means to "set apart unto God for His exclusive use".

When Paul prays for our entire being to be sanctified unto God he is saying that our entire being, all that we are is to be set apart and used for God's purpose and God's purpose alone.

All that we are is to be used in service to Him.

All that we are is to serve Him.

This idea and concept - that we are to serve God with all that we are- is also found in Deuteronomy 6:5,

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might"

We are to love God with all that we are!

Now in the Bible to love God is to serve God, to obey Him.

Jesus said in John 14:23 "If a man love me he will kep my words".

To love God with all that we are then is to serve and obey Him with all that we are.

This means you and I are to obey God with our thoughts, our wills, our body - and our emotions!

Yes! Our emotions...I believe!

Another example: Psalms 100:2 "Seve the Lord with gladness (or joy)!" Here we are told to obey God with Joy... Joy, I perceive is an emotion...

That is why God gave us emotions. They are to move and motivate us to action!

Our emotions are part of the tools God has given us with which to serve Him,but He also allows the emotions such as sadness, anger, frustration, and etc.

Emotions gives us clues about what is comfortable or uncomfortable...

Such as...

Sadness is a natural emotion that comes with loss, disappointment, or grief..

Example: you might have friends you are meeting,and they cancel at the last minute which causes disappointment...

My pet runs away or becomes lost which causes loss, disappointment or grief..

Or just like my husband taking his test for a new job,and he did not pass the test that causes the emotions of loss, disappointment or grief...

Or my husband is called to work out of the state causes me great disappointment...Ha!

I think fear as an emotion can be a good concept where God is telling us something is dangerous in our environment or seeing fear to keep one safe...

HOwever, you are right....depression probably is best describe as a 'symptom' coming out of sadness or frustration..

Just as I am 'happy' in the Lord...to me....my happiness is an emotion...

God Bless..

by **Remnant** » 19 Mar 2011, 21:58

I, personally, don't suffer from depression!

You are blessed if you never have to deal with depression. What you have stated here has the implication that depression to you is an affliction of some sort? I see it that way also. If that is the case why would God want to give this to us? You have also said that it is an emotion given to us by God. In no way by loving God with all of our heart and soul and mind involves anything that has to do with depression. Sure God gives us emotions but He in no way causes us to be depressed.

In all my years of dealing with depression and counseling others who have depression, I have never heard or thought it to be from God. I can not find any concrete evidence to that effect. I know it can be caused by the devil and scripture bares that out. He gives us principle after principle on How to overcome depression.

Jeani, May I ask how long you have thought this about depression and is there other teachers or teachings that might say this. If I am wrong in this thinking then I would like to know more about it.

by **Remnant** » 19 Mar 2011, 22:36

Thanks Carmela and Robin, I hope in some way that people who read this and are dealing with depression will find peace and solitude. That is my hope!

by **Jeani** » 21 Mar 2011, 22:02

I guess my thoughts is about Christ when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane...

He was PERFECT and SINLESS, but yet, scripture said 'his soul was exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.'

He was experiencing sorrow to be grieved or sad to the point of distress,and trouble such as He had never known in His earthly life...

In that hour His greatest need the Lord wanted those with a sympathetic understanding to be 'praying for Him.'

Separating Himself then from His disciples, He prayed to HIs Father, asking that IF POSSIBLE THIS CUP BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HIM...

I see this cup probably referred to His imminent death....or HIs coming separation from His Father...and HIs coming contact with sin as He became sin for mankind.

Jesus prayed a second time,and a third time...to the point of exhaustion and perspiration became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground..Such anguish or could it be depression from part man...

He was in such agony, I believe...

Then Jesus rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples where He found them 'sleeping from sorrow.'

Could it be these disciples were depressed because of Jesus' teaching that He would died?

They thought He was going to set up His kingdomship,but instead, He was telling them He was going to died...

Sooo through these scriptures of 'thought', I have to wonder if God doesn't allow the emotion of depression to happen...

Didn't mean Christ was not God or less, but He had a 'human side' that was given to Him...and through the anguish of man's sin He took upon Himself...it's possible that He became temporary depress...

His sweat became like great drops of BLOOD ...total ANGUISH..

The words of Jesus' prayer showed that He was concerned NOT with His own interests but with the interest of the Father..

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.
But a good word makes it glad...Proverbs 12:25
:ptl2

by **Remnant** » 22 Mar 2011, 05:59

He was experiencing sorrow to be grieved or sad to the point of distress,and trouble such as He had never known in His earthly life...

He experienced sorrow not because of depression, but because of agonizing over the sins of mankind.

Such anguish or could it be depression from part man...

I believe it to be because He knew what He must face in order to pay for man's sin and that was the sacrificial Lamb and only way.

Jeani, You still call depression a emotion. I see it as something that causes emotions, just like oppression.

Do you believe that one can overcome depression? And that depression can cause strong emotions, such as anger. Etc?

Do you ever see depression as something that comes from the devil?

If depression comes from God as you say, then why is there so many scriptures offering a way to overcome it? It surely is not healthy and beneficial to stay depressed!

Just do a word search on how to overcome depression scriptural and see what comes up.

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