Depression


Depression is a prison where you are both the suffering prisoner and the cruel jailer. ~ Dorothy Rowe

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will; when the road you're trudging seems all uphill; when the funds are low and the debts are high; and you want to smile but you have to sigh. When all is pressing you down a bit--rest if you must, but don't you quit. Success is failure turned inside out; the silver tint on the clouds of doubt; and you can never tell how close you are; it may be near when it seems far. So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - It's when things go wrong that you must not quit. ~ John Greenleaf Whittier

Depression steals joy and peace, dulling your senses through a dark filter, leading to despair, discouragement, worry, fear, and hopelessness. You can choose not to be depressed by finding joy in the Lord and living by faith instead of letting the circumstances of life dictate your feelings. Go on the offensive with your thoughts. What are you thankful for? Read scripture on encouragement and speak them over your life. Cast your cares on the loving God who wants to help you live a happy, joyous, fulfilled life.

(Keep Calm and Trust God by Jake Provance and Keith Provance, 2014. Pages 18-23)

Verses

Psalm 42:11 - Why are you cast down, O my soul, / and why are you in turmoil within me? / Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, / my salvation and my God.

Psalms 40:1-3 - I waited patiently for the Lord; / he inclined to me and heard my cry. / He drew me up from the pit of destruction, / out of the miry bog, / and set my feet upon a rock, / making my steps secure. / He put a new song in my mouth, / a song of praise to our God. / Many will see and fear, / and put their trust in the Lord.

1 Peter 4:12-13 - Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.