Overcoming Depression

Scripture Reading - 1 John 1:4 "and these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."

The Webster's definition of joy is as follows; "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires." I see people all the time who are just overcome by depression. I myself have been through bouts of this terrible problem. The symptoms are almost always the same, isolation (no desire to go anywhere or do any thing), crying for no reason, inability to bring simple tasks to completion, sitting in dark places, trouble with memory. It is a great problem in our society today. The answer to this problem, along with any other problem we face can be found in God's word.

The word of God was written that our joy may be full. True joy is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But to experience this joy, we have to have a conscienceness of actually being in the presence of God. In Heb. 4:16 we are told, "let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." God allows and desires us to enter into His presence. To go there we must focus upon Him, and seek Him above all things. Have you ever heard the words, "But seek ye first the kingdom of heaven" or have you heard these words before, "draw near unto God and He will draw near unto you" I am confident that if you have been raised in a church going environment then you have probably heard these words. If we place our focus upon God and He becomes our reason for everything we do, depression disappears and we are able to experience joy and the abundant life He desires for us. Always remember, it is not about us, it is all about Him.

I don't know what triggers depression with people or even what triggers it within myself. It could be the death of a loved one, a situation that pops up in your life that you don't know how to handle, an illness that suddenly comes upon you, financial distresses, etc. Many things can bring this on. When these things happen and you start not feeling like your normal self (when my bouts with depression have came, I always know when it is coming on) start focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in His Word that He desires to have you in His presence as many times as you will come, confide in people you trust and ask them to join with you in praying about your situation. God will guide you through this. It is impossible to be depressed in His presence.

Be Blessed and Live in the Now