Daily devotion – When Depression strikes
Depression – the dark cloud that hovers over us all at some time. For some, it’s just a passing season. For others it can be an unwanted life companion.
It’s responsible for more pain and distress than any other affliction of mankind. It is difficult to define, to describe its symptoms or treat it.
What do we do about when we are followers of Jesus Christ?
A Christian may suffer from depression in reaction to adverse situations, defeats and setbacks such as death in a family, a rebellious son or daughter, or loss of employment.
As their brothers and sisters in Christ, our words of comfort and encouragement are important to people undergoing a time of depression. Encouragement such as : “You are not alone in your suffering. God cares and will not leave you alone. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, not only bore our sins but also our sorrows and heartaches.”
When depression roles over my life, sometimes it is the Lord working on my trust in Him for everything. A time again to rededicate my life, all of it to Him. To lay my life at His alter once again and ask Him to have His complete will in it!
When depression sweeps, there is no more important time to be in fellowship with His body the Church. To be in worship and to be in service to Him who loves us.
Satan uses depression to discourage us in our faith. It is his device to thwart God’s work in our lives. He uses depression to blind our eyes to the mercy of God and makes us perceive only the unfavourable circumstances.
I have never met a person who spent time in daily prayer, in the study of the Word of God, and who was strong in faith who was ever discouraged or depressed for very long.
When depression darkens my thoughts and my being, I go to the word of God for encouragement, wisdom and medicine – Proverbs 3:5 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.
Isaiah 53: 4Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him.
If you are today under the cloud of depression – know this, God’s love for you has not wavered nor changed. His desires for you is to walk in the Light because He is the Light. To not stay in this period of darkness.
Call on Him, cast all your cares before His feet, sit with your Bible open, be like Mary at Jesus feet and His precious love and grace will wash over you and restore you.
Take His Word to your heart, trust in it and not your feelings or your thoughts. Live you day and be directed only by His truth and He will lead you beside still waters and He will restore your soul. Why? Because He is the Good Shepherd, and He loves His sheep, and He will comfort you now.
Yes, we may come under depression, but God does not want us to remain there.
Let Him lead you from out under it today! Bless you.