God has answers for depression!
Depression – feelings of severe despondency and dejection: self-doubt creeps in and that swiftly turns to depression. A mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep
Holidays can be a sorrowful time for some people. The causes are many: death of family members, no family ties, adversity from past or present, unfulfilled dreams, job loss, financial reversal, health reasons, etc. Depression, anxiety, and fear are weapons that the devil delights in using against a believer in God.
We have the power within us (God’s Spirit) to change the way we think. No matter the circumstances of our lives, we can choose to be thankful for God’s blessings and think on good things as stated in Philippians 4. There is a book entitled Happiness is a Choice – www.christianbook.com.
Through the study of God’s Word, we can have a transformed mind. Romans 12: 1 & 2 are powerful truths. We must choose to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God that is our true worship. Become a feeder of God’s Word and there will be a transformational renewing of the mind! This takes spiritual discipline.
Our thoughts create our feelings then we act/say how we feel. When in a depressed state of mind, choose God and His truth. Romans 8 is a powerful chapter. Paul wrote, “In all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Notice the word in all things! In all states of depression, we are more than conquerors because we choose to focus on God and not our circumstances.
When we know God in the power of His Spirit dwelling in us, we have much to be thankful for daily. I know whereof I speak. We have suffered the loss of close family members. We have suffered life-threatening health issues. We have had great adversity from the devil because he hates my ministry of sharing with others through teaching, counseling, and writing to encourage hurting hearts with God’s truth. We’ve experienced painful life-changing events that created great losses. Through it all, I have chosen to praise God and be thankful even when the tears of sorrow flow. I allow some time for grief, and then choose to be thankful.
None of us know the number of our days. I have determined that the devil is not having the power over my thinking processes. When toxic negative thoughts come into my mind, I rebuke them in the name of Jesus. I replace the toxic with God’s truth.
God, the Wonderful Counselor, tells us that as a man thinks in his heart so is he. If we dwell on loneliness, unanswered prayers, negative circumstance, etc., we are causing our physical brain to turn black with an appearance of holes. Our brain controls our body. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Holy Spirit filled brain scientist, says that 83-97% of illnesses that result in hospital stays are caused by unresolved emotional pain. When we choose to be thankful and fill our minds with God’s truth, our brain ‘lights up’ and new connector growth takes place. Our thoughts affect our physical well-being.
What I’m sharing in this article is what I am counseling people on a daily basis nationwide. The devil wants us to live in a depressed state of mind. He wants us to look at our life through clouded lenses. God’s truth is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. When we choose to fill our hearts/minds with God’s Word, it will build our faith to stay strong even in the midst of adversity. We have God’s indwelling Spirit and can choose to say as Job, “Though he slays me, yet will I trust him.”
Right now, I’m praying for some major needs regarding the future of the ministry that God has given me. I do not see the answer with my carnal eyes. But I’m choosing to see the answer through the eyes of faith! Every day I choose to give Him thanks. Every day I choose to look unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith and life.
God told us to occupy until He comes. I do not allow the devil to rob my joy or happiness in God because I look daily for His return in the heavens to catch His Bride away! Jesus could come at any moment! Even in facing death, there is no cause for depression because in the next moment, after our last breath, we will be in the presence of the Lord! There is no greater hope or joy to be had! My father lived that truth in his sickness and death 20 years ago! Not one complaint through all that he suffered.
With God all things are possible! We choose our state of mind! We either choose toxic thinking or we choose to filter all that happens to us through God’s eternal truth! Proverbs 29:18King James Version (KJV)
18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” I am choosing to keep the vision God has given me in my heart and mind and daily give Him thanks in all things! Oh, Yes! Depression will knock on the door of my heart, but I choose to reject it in the power of the name of Jesus! What is your choice?
If you are struggling with depression, have one counseling session. I will listen to your story and then ask, “What is God’s truth about your situation?” Go to www.carolclemans.org read ‘about ministry’ page explaining counseling/teaching nationwide and my bio.
© Carol Clemans – December 2017 – 50 years of Bible teaching, 62 years baptized in Holy Ghost, 25 years Certified Pastoral Counseling, Certified Christian Life Coach, married 47 years to Rev. Harold Clemans. Watch teaching videos (100+) on Carol Clemans YouTube channel. 400+ articles @ www.carolclemans.org. Mins. Ref: Pastor Daniel Batchelor, Dupo, IL.