Defeating Depression
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
When you allow feelings to become your reality, that's when you know you are headed for depression. Many of us are ruled by our feelings and what we are thinking on the inside. For example, “I feel like a failure, so I must be a failure.” Or the mentality that says, “I am afraid right now. I don't know why, but I'm scared to death. I must get out of here and run, even though there's nothing to run from in my life.” Or, I might say, “I don't feel loved, therefore, I must be unlovable.”
Many of us allow those feelings to shape what we think about ourselves. You need to realize that feelings are just part of the human experience; they are not reality. You may not be feeling on top of the world, but it doesn't mean you are not on top of the world. It just means there are feelings.
Our feelings come because of biological factors, environmental stressors, what happened at the office yesterday, or what we have to do today. Regardless of where they come from or how real they seem, they are just feelings; they are not reality. They are just vapors.
We can’t allow our feelings to dictate what is true. Instead, we must make sure the truth is informing our lives. That is why it is so important that we spend time in God’s Word, meditating on what He says is true. If we are lonely, we know we are not alone because God promises to always be with us. Even when we feel hopeless, we know there is hope in Jesus.
God wants us to learn how to defeat depression in our lives. Just because you are a believer and a follower of Jesus doesn't make you immune. You need to be keenly aware of your feelings and the experiences of those who are around you.
Don’t let depression sink into your life. Don’t allow your feelings to take the wheel. Instead, soak in and meditate on what is true. Allow God’s Word to permeate your mind and your heart. When you are resting in Him rather than relying on your feelings, you will find true peace.
When you allow feelings to become your reality, that's when you know you are headed for depression. Many of us are ruled by our feelings and what we are thinking on the inside. For example, “I feel like a failure, so I must be a failure.” Or the mentality that says, “I am afraid right now. I don't know why, but I'm scared to death. I must get out of here and run, even though there's nothing to run from in my life.” Or, I might say, “I don't feel loved, therefore, I must be unlovable.”
Many of us allow those feelings to shape what we think about ourselves. You need to realize that feelings are just part of the human experience; they are not reality. You may not be feeling on top of the world, but it doesn't mean you are not on top of the world. It just means there are feelings.
Our feelings come because of biological factors, environmental stressors, what happened at the office yesterday, or what we have to do today. Regardless of where they come from or how real they seem, they are just feelings; they are not reality. They are just vapors.
We can’t allow our feelings to dictate what is true. Instead, we must make sure the truth is informing our lives. That is why it is so important that we spend time in God’s Word, meditating on what He says is true. If we are lonely, we know we are not alone because God promises to always be with us. Even when we feel hopeless, we know there is hope in Jesus.
God wants us to learn how to defeat depression in our lives. Just because you are a believer and a follower of Jesus doesn't make you immune. You need to be keenly aware of your feelings and the experiences of those who are around you.
Don’t let depression sink into your life. Don’t allow your feelings to take the wheel. Instead, soak in and meditate on what is true. Allow God’s Word to permeate your mind and your heart. When you are resting in Him rather than relying on your feelings, you will find true peace.
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3 Comments
I have learned to go to God's Word whenever I feel sad. His Word is so uplifting and true. I am glad that I know I belong to Him and am greatly loved. It does help that I have Christian friends of whom we can rely on each other as well
I have had depression and anxiety. I spent years thinking I lacked enough faith or relying on feelings, etc. There is a physical ailment which is a lack that of neuro chemicals and it is a physical illness. That guilt needs to be lessened in our churches!
I agree with Karen 100%