We all have to deal with
depression. You and I are not alone in our troubles. All of God's people face
the same troubles, heartaches, pains, and sorrows that you face. And, at times,
we all become emotionally, mentally, and spiritually depressed. The only
difference is that some are able to cope with depression, while others feed it.
Like you, I sometimes have fits of morbid depression. But I have found that
there are some things which always help me to overcome my sinful depression.
Yes, I said, "sinful". Depression is both a foolish and sinful thing.
When you get to the essence of it, you are sure to find that it amounts to
nothing but pride and self-pity. Here are some things which help me to overcome
this evil.
1. THE WORD OF GOD IS A
SOURCE OF GREAT CONSOLATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT. The next time you feel
depression coming, take your Bible down and read it. Meditate upon the promises
of God, the redemption of Christ, the grace of God upon you, the providence of
God for you, and the home awaiting you.
2. PERSONAL WORSHIP,
COMMUNION, AND FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST WILL SOON DRIVE AWAY YOUR DARK
DEPRESSION. Go to the Lord in prayer. Pour out your soul to him. Worship
and praise him in your closet. Spend much time with the Man of Sorrows;
and your sorrows will soon become very insignificant.
3. THE FELLOWSHIP OF GOD'S
PEOPLE DOES MUCH TO DEFEAT DEPRESSION. Usually, when you are greatly
depressed, you want to be alone. Nothing could be worse for you than that. Seek
out some child of God and chat with him about God's abundant mercy in Christ,
not about your mutual woes! And be sure that you meet together with God's elect
in the house of worship. Many suffer with depression far longer than they need,
simply because they neglect the assembly of the saints and the ministry of the
Word.
4. CAST ALL YOUR CARE UPON
THE LORD - HE DOES CARE FOR YOU! His shoulders are broad enough and strong
enough to carry your load. There is no need for you to carry it. Faith in
Christ is the beet cure for every form of depression.