Defeating Depression
It seems that more and more people are struggling with discouragement and depression these days. Some have symptoms of feeling “down” for a short period of time while others experience ongoing, debilitating sadness and hopelessness. In fact, statistics show that one in five adults will experience debilitating depression at some point in their lives. This statistic represents a real problem that can affect our families, friends, and others we care about.

Depression isn’t new, and it doesn’t come from God. According to John 10:10, the devil is the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is the author of all things evil. God, on the other hand, only gives good things—things that bring life and hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

The Bible teaches us that our thoughts and beliefs greatly influence our emotions and overall sense of well-being. Because of that, looking at depression from a spiritual point of view can give us valuable insights on how to diffuse the enemy’s plans.

Elijah’s Depression

It is possible to hear messages about the tremendous victories of Bible heroes and think they must have been perfect. It might even seem like they never struggled with anything, but they were all human. In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah is an example of one who experienced severe depression and was actually considering suicide. You can read the whole account in 1 Kings chapters 17-19, but here is a very brief synopsis.

Elijah had just experienced God’s miraculous provision in a time of drought: ravens brought him food, and God multiplied a widow’s last flour and oil to sustain her, her son, and Elijah. Later, when her son died, Elijah prayed, and the boy was raised back to life. Then God tells Elijah to go to the wicked King Ahab and challenge him to have the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah come together for a showdown between their gods and his God. It was no contest. After God won, Elijah killed all the false prophets, prayed for rain, and the drought ended. He experienced victory after miraculous victory!

However, when Ahab told his wife, Jezebel, all that had happened, she sent a messenger to Elijah saying she was going to kill him. Instead of focusing on all of the miraculous things God had done for him, Elijah meditated on what Jezebel said. He was filled with anxiety and worry and literally went into depression. He left his servants behind, ran, and hid in the wilderness and prayed that he might die.

That could have been the end of the story, but God cared for Elijah. He met his physical needs by sending him food, water and gave him time to rest. He cared for his spiritual needs by speaking to him in a still small voice, gently redirecting him and giving him vision for the future.

James 5:17 points out that Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. Even though he is known as a hero of the faith, he was human and not so different from us. He had feelings and emotions and struggles. His story teaches us that experiencing depression doesn’t necessarily mean we lack faith or strength. And by the way, God wasn’t mad at Elijah. In fact, God’s response to Elijah’s despair showed His compassion and guidance, offering hope for those who feel overwhelmed.

Depression Busting Tips

1. Don’t lose focus. Elijah’s story illustrates how losing focus can lead to depression. When he feared Jezebel’s threat, his anxiety grew, and he retreated from God’s purpose for him. Philippians 4:8 advises us to think about things that are true, noble, just, pure, and lovely. Keeping our minds on God’s promises helps us maintain peace. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 teaches that spiritual warfare takes place in our minds, which is why we must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Focusing on God’s Word helps us see ourselves as victorious, forgiven, and blessed, aligning our thoughts with His view of us.

2. Develop an Eternal Perspective. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Viewing our struggles in light of eternity helps us realize that our current problems are temporary and that God’s eternal promises offer help and hope.

3. Don’t isolate yourself. The New Testament highlights the importance of mutual support within the body of Christ. Romans 12:10 encourages us to be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. We were created for relationship, first with God and then with others. Over 30 times in the New Testament, we see the phrase “one another,” showing the importance of living in community and supporting each other.

4. Grow in gratitude. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for overcoming depression. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to – in everything, give thanks – as it reminds us to find reasons to be thankful despite the circumstance. Why? Because maintaining a thankful heart keeps us connected to God and focused on His ability to get us through the difficulties of life.

5. Practice praise. Isaiah 61:3 promises, To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. The spirit of heaviness refers to depression, and the antidote is to clothe ourselves with praise. Shifting our focus to thankfulness and worship elevates our mindset from despair to hope. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Even when it feels difficult, praising God can change our perspective and lift our spirits!

6. Avoid comparing yourself with others. We live in a society that often encourages comparison and envy. Instead of appreciating what we have, we focus on what we lack. If we aren’t thankful for what we have, comparisons can lead to dissatisfaction and even depression. In fact, what often happens is that we feel inferior because we compare our weaknesses to others’ strengths. And sometimes, we compare our strengths to others’ weaknesses which is also unhealthy. Comparing ourselves is a lose-lose situation which is why 2 Corinthians 10:12 tells us that comparing ourselves among ourselves is unwise.

Final Thoughts
In the Old Testament, we see David, the king and psalmist, often pouring out his heart to God in times of distress. Psalm 42:11 captures his emotional struggle and the inner dialogue that helped him through it. He spoke to his soul saying, 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.

Everyone has an inner dialogue, and when someone is discouraged, it can be easy for that dialogue to become negative. As David spoke to his soul, he arrested the negative thinking that could have resulted in deeper despair. In the same way, meditating on scripture helps us keep our minds and inner dialogue focused on God and His ability to deliver us.

Be encouraged to open up your Bible and begin letting the scriptures be what fills your thoughts and inner dialogue. Here are some scriptures you could begin with: Psalm 3:3, Psalm 23, Psalm 32:10, Psalm 37:23-24, John 16:33, Romans 8:38-39…the list is endless, but let me leave you with Psalm 27:13-14: I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.
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Scan the QR code below or CLICK THE LINK HERE to watch a 2-minute daily confession video with Pastor Duane and begin declaring what God says over your situation in Jesus Name.

(All scriptures are quoted from the NKJV unless otherwise stated)