Depression has been called the “common cold” of mental disorders. Depression affects millions of us daily. Christians and non-Christians alike. If you suffer from depression you may be experiencing intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. You probably feel useless, have lost interest and people that you once enjoyed. Depression can be set off by many things, including a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.
Philippians 4:1 commands us to rejoice (whether we feel like it or not!). And James 1:2 asks us to “Consider it all joy when we fall into various trials.” Notice that James doesn't tell us to feel joyful; he tells us to reckon, to choose to think about your situation as a spot where you can have joy. Trusting what God says rather than your feelings is certainly a more realistic approach to life!
When you are feeling down, its important as a Christian that you stay in the word, and in prayer even when you don’t feel like it. Your emotions will lead you astray and this is when satan moves in. God’s word stands firm, and never changes. You must keep your faith in God and hold tightly to His promise that He wont put more on you than you can handle.
(1 Corinthians 10:13). 13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Although being depressed is not a sin, one is still accountable for the response to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
If you wake up feeling like you can’t go on today, remember God loves you so much that He gave us His only son. Below are a few things that can help you thru this part of your journey here on earth. But we must keep the future front in our hearts and mind, keep your focus on the final reward. “Eternity in Heaven”
Avoid being alone. (Remember Jesus will never leave you, nor forsake you).
Force yourself to be with people. Seek help from others.
(Sing, dance, Music can uplift your spirit as it did for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
Praise and give thanks. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). L
Lean heavily on the power of God's Word.
Rest confidently in the presence of God's Spirit. “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5).
