If God brought a depressed youth, running for years for his life from the sword of an angry king, to become king in his place, do you think He could elevate you from depression? If God could revive a man in a state of hopelessness and despair, hiding in a cave from the wrath of a witch who had killed hundreds of God’s prophets, and have him proclaim and anoint the next king of the nation, do you think He could give you courage for your next assignment?
RELEVANCE
Two specific testimonies from the Bible have given me great strength to overcome depression. See how God rescued and restored David and Elijah. He can bring you hope as well.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (Psalm 42:11).
Traumatic events will happen. We may also be put in situations and have to live through difficult circumstances for inordinate periods of time. Such things produce fractures in our heart and confuse our mind. They put us in caves of despair with no solution in sight.
I know. My mother died when I was seven, and I spent twelve years running from escalating pain until the LORD intervened in my life in a real way. Sometimes, though, it takes getting to the place where we exhaust our natural source of remedies; drugs, alcohol, counselors, road trips, etc. before we come to Jesus andface truth, reject delusional thoughts and push back everything else and seek Him. Let the words of James bring encouragement to you.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:7-10).
One key topic James raises is double-mindedness, or ambivalence. It’s when doubt creeps in. We want to believe in God’s promises and make the right choices, but have reservations. We must seek God for truth regardless of the opposing opinions of others. His word breathed by His Holy Spirit will bring resolution to your heart and His peace that enables you to settle the deepest issues. Allow His Spirit to arise within and minister to your inner being.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What things have you been seeking to escape from? What things are so painful, that you can’t face them? Bring them to God’s table.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:5-6).
REFERENCES
John 17:1-26; Acts 2:1-47