While there are many ways to overcome depression before it sets in, we must be aware that for some the conversation is way overdue. Depression has set in and not only does it produce a hopelessness, it breeds debilitation. One who is suffering is less likely to have a mind to actively pull themselves out of it.
This level of depression is not to be taken lightly. The depths of despair are dark and hopeless for those who get there. This post seeks to be helpful, based on truths God has put in my heart, but if you are in a rough place and find you cannot come out, please seek help from a Bible teaching (and believing) professional who can walk you through the truth carefully.
In Part 2 of this series on depression I walked through the inevitable steps that lead to being depressed. Many people who are actually depressed are far beyond step 1, which is already far enough. The things we must do to shake ourselves loose and overcome depression at this point are more internal and spiritual.
They are internal because if you are deeply depressed you've already allowed it to define you and shape your perceptions of who you are. And they are spiritual because you have opened yourself up to dark spirits by agreeing with them and not the Father about the circumstances of your life. Now imps and demons are actually tormenting you with lies, deceptions, and gross exaggerations of what is really happening. That's really what depression is. What you do now must push them out, as well as restore you to the truth of what God has to say about all of it.
Begin with the spiritual. You have to cut these false, negative thoughts and suggestions off. You've been dwelling on them for so long, you may not know where to start. A rule of thumb is start small. Stop allowing even your fleeting thoughts to depress you. When your mind suggests a lie, a negative outcome, respond with a truth from God's word. Try Philippians 1:6 say out loud, No, He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of His coming. When you hear the thoughts that tell you even more sinister lies, respond with the Word of truth. Speak out loud, (Jeremiah 29:11) God says, I know the thoughts I have toward you, to prosper you, not to harm you...to give you hope and a future. Continue to combat these evil thoughts and lies with God's truth as much as you can. Speak His words of truth into your life circumstances.
This should produce some hope, giving you more ambition to come out of the depression. After this, go to a quiet place to pray. When you pray you want to stay away from re-introducing the lies you just squashed. Do not pray your circumstances. I'll say it again, DO NOT PRAY YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. God sees you and knows you and cares for you. It is redundant to tell Him your situation. Instead, thank Him for what He's doing to solve the problem. Worship and adore Him for stepping in to change things and turn them around for you. Now repent. I know, depression is illness and it hurts and you feel like a victim, but you got there by listening to satan's lies, which means you turned your back on the truth. Simply repent. Tell God you are sorry for listening to the enemy's lies and allowing them to affect you. Ask for forgiveness. Then go to work on those spirits by suspending their activity, binding them, and casting them out. Let them know they are no longer welcome and have no power or authority and that by the blood of the Lamb you are casting them out of your life, mind, and situation. Strike at them and drive at them in the Spirit. Then thank God again for His intervention and for helping you. Thank Him for His intervening angels who are working on your behalf in the heavenlies at that moment. Rejoice that He is working and doing what He says He'll do. This is practicing deliverance and every Christian believer has the authority to do it. For more information about it go to doersoftheword.org.
Now focus on the internal. You've allowed yourself to think and believe some ugly lies about who you are. You must discontinue this by seeing the truth. If you have made some bad choices that make you feel like you are a bad person, this is wrong. Everyone has good and bad in them. Your bad choices do not define you. Repent for them. Accept God's forgiveness and encourage yourself in Him by looking forward to the good choices He'll give you to make as time goes on.
Hopefully this restores you. Now you have to maintain this. There is no end to the negativity and lies that exist in our world. You must pray, read your Bible, and speak and believe God's truths about you. Do not allow lies to be fed to you. Do not accept lies. Always repent when you have done something wrong. Always trust that God has faithfully forgiven you, as He said He would. Then walk His way. Shut out behaviors that produce negative outcomes (being deceitful, drinking too much, drugging, being promiscuous, being lazy, being gluttonous, angry, mean, etc.) and try to be helpful to someone else. Take the steps mentioned in Part 2 to remain free from the bondage of a plagued mind.
Of course, all this takes time. It's not easy to get out of depression, as it was not easy to get into depression. It's hard work, but you have to do it. God loves you and He wants you to overcome the enemy, to defeat Him and endure to the end. Stay focused on having your thoughts, words, and actions line up with each other so He can say to you when eternity begins for you, "Well done good and faithful servant."
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
WTWT Depression Part 2
Walking the Walk Through Depression is all about what to do for someone else if they are suffering. But, what about if it's you? What happens if you are the one who's smiling but who feels the stinging hurt of depression? As a person living an authentic life in Christ what do you do?
Depression, after all, seems ungrateful in our hearts. It makes us feel guilty to be depressed knowing that God has given us a new life. We're supposed to be enjoying it right? So, what of it? Why are we depressed? Why are our souls downcast? We're stuck in muck and mire and can't find a way out. Often we feel there's no help because we can't really discuss the depression due to embarrassment or not wanting to turn into someone's charity case. We also want to be soldiers in God's army. There's no depression allowed in that right? So, what do we do?
In a world where there are millions of distractions...including our own minds, I have to say the good, old-fashioned Word of God is the way out.
The dynamic of depression is this:
1.) Our minds get stuck on a thing we feel powerless to change.
2.) Instead of renewing it with the Word, we allow it to fester so the attitude spreads around to other topics that represent discomfort in our minds.
3.) Since no one's life is perfect it grows into every area of our lives, even the ones that may be going quite well, and continues to erode our perceptions of what's really happening.
4.) Soon evil thoughts have consumed our thought processes to the point that we can't see the way out or find any positive aspects at all.
5.) Hopelessness begets hopelessness and we're on the verge of shutting down.
How do we prevent this cycle? I know the world uses medication. However, that has proven to be controversial in and of itself. Psychotropic / psychiatric / antidepressant drugs have actually caused people to commit homicides and suicides, as well as sink deeper into depression. They also cause a number of side effects that threaten our physical health. Is it safe for Christians to take these drugs? Is it safe for anyone? Well, someone who follows acceptable church norms would probably say no. But, people have to make this decision for themselves. Be sure to count up the cost and pray about it if it's a route you're thinking of taking.
Now, this method aside, we have a different hope. Our hope is more profound and spirit - based. The God of our salvation is compassionate, remember? Time and again He commands us to give our concerns, worries, and cares to Him and trust Him to handle it all. So, if you are prone to attacks of depression be diligent over your mind.
At step 1.) when you get stuck on an issue, first you need to recognize how your feelings of helplessness are false. The word yasha is translated help in the King James Bible, but profoundly enough it actually means save, savior, and delivered. When you sense you are powerless to change something stop, go into your prayer closet, and pray something like this:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your sovereignty and grace. I know You are who You say. I trust in every word. Now I receive your help in the area of _________________ . I know you are coming to the rescue to help me solve this problem and I want to say thank you for that. I am so grateful for Your kindness and compassion. I praise you always. In Jesus' name, amen.
Now angels have been put to work in your situation because you've taken hold of the help God promised you. Now stop worrying.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Switch your focus to helping someone else. Go to a shelter, an orphanage, or a nursing home and offer to help in some way. Go to a family member who's having trouble keeping things organized if that's your gift and offer to help. Call someone who's in need of your talents and just offer them up with no strings attached. No viable transportation? Offer a neighbor some support with babysitting or gardening. Invest in someone else. When you are being used in a gratifying way you stop obsessing over what's wrong with you and shift to what's the right thing to do. You feel better because you're exercising your strengths.
Now that you've prayed a biblical prayer and taken your mind off of the negative things you feel, it's time to renew your mind. When you get home from your helps, go ahead and spend some time in the Word. Ward off any depressing thoughts. Get a big glass of lemonade or a milkshake or some milk and cookies, or whatever you like. Get settled, crack open your Bible, and brush up on His promises. I suggest the gospel of John where Jesus prays for us for hours in the garden of Gethsemane. It's eye opening to see how He had hope for us even then. Also, take time to explore Romans chapter 8. Next, try Psalm 121. It's so sweet to hide His promises in our hearts.
Do this until your mind has been renewed and you know He's on your side. Trust Him, He cares so deeply for you, more than anyone else ever can. Then, make this a part of your life. Live this way so that you can consistently stay on track.
Now, if you're in the pit of depression already and far beyond step 1 of the depression cycle, it'll take even more to come out of it. I'll share some biblical, Christian techniques for overcoming this deeper depression in Part 3. By the way, our prayers can be more effective if we pray in a biblically sound way. To learn more about this go to doersoftheword.org and look into church service archives to find more information about this, as well as deliverance.
Depression, after all, seems ungrateful in our hearts. It makes us feel guilty to be depressed knowing that God has given us a new life. We're supposed to be enjoying it right? So, what of it? Why are we depressed? Why are our souls downcast? We're stuck in muck and mire and can't find a way out. Often we feel there's no help because we can't really discuss the depression due to embarrassment or not wanting to turn into someone's charity case. We also want to be soldiers in God's army. There's no depression allowed in that right? So, what do we do?
In a world where there are millions of distractions...including our own minds, I have to say the good, old-fashioned Word of God is the way out.
The dynamic of depression is this:
1.) Our minds get stuck on a thing we feel powerless to change.
2.) Instead of renewing it with the Word, we allow it to fester so the attitude spreads around to other topics that represent discomfort in our minds.
3.) Since no one's life is perfect it grows into every area of our lives, even the ones that may be going quite well, and continues to erode our perceptions of what's really happening.
4.) Soon evil thoughts have consumed our thought processes to the point that we can't see the way out or find any positive aspects at all.
5.) Hopelessness begets hopelessness and we're on the verge of shutting down.
How do we prevent this cycle? I know the world uses medication. However, that has proven to be controversial in and of itself. Psychotropic / psychiatric / antidepressant drugs have actually caused people to commit homicides and suicides, as well as sink deeper into depression. They also cause a number of side effects that threaten our physical health. Is it safe for Christians to take these drugs? Is it safe for anyone? Well, someone who follows acceptable church norms would probably say no. But, people have to make this decision for themselves. Be sure to count up the cost and pray about it if it's a route you're thinking of taking.
Now, this method aside, we have a different hope. Our hope is more profound and spirit - based. The God of our salvation is compassionate, remember? Time and again He commands us to give our concerns, worries, and cares to Him and trust Him to handle it all. So, if you are prone to attacks of depression be diligent over your mind.
At step 1.) when you get stuck on an issue, first you need to recognize how your feelings of helplessness are false. The word yasha is translated help in the King James Bible, but profoundly enough it actually means save, savior, and delivered. When you sense you are powerless to change something stop, go into your prayer closet, and pray something like this:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your sovereignty and grace. I know You are who You say. I trust in every word. Now I receive your help in the area of _________________ . I know you are coming to the rescue to help me solve this problem and I want to say thank you for that. I am so grateful for Your kindness and compassion. I praise you always. In Jesus' name, amen.
Now angels have been put to work in your situation because you've taken hold of the help God promised you. Now stop worrying.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Switch your focus to helping someone else. Go to a shelter, an orphanage, or a nursing home and offer to help in some way. Go to a family member who's having trouble keeping things organized if that's your gift and offer to help. Call someone who's in need of your talents and just offer them up with no strings attached. No viable transportation? Offer a neighbor some support with babysitting or gardening. Invest in someone else. When you are being used in a gratifying way you stop obsessing over what's wrong with you and shift to what's the right thing to do. You feel better because you're exercising your strengths.
Now that you've prayed a biblical prayer and taken your mind off of the negative things you feel, it's time to renew your mind. When you get home from your helps, go ahead and spend some time in the Word. Ward off any depressing thoughts. Get a big glass of lemonade or a milkshake or some milk and cookies, or whatever you like. Get settled, crack open your Bible, and brush up on His promises. I suggest the gospel of John where Jesus prays for us for hours in the garden of Gethsemane. It's eye opening to see how He had hope for us even then. Also, take time to explore Romans chapter 8. Next, try Psalm 121. It's so sweet to hide His promises in our hearts.
Do this until your mind has been renewed and you know He's on your side. Trust Him, He cares so deeply for you, more than anyone else ever can. Then, make this a part of your life. Live this way so that you can consistently stay on track.
Now, if you're in the pit of depression already and far beyond step 1 of the depression cycle, it'll take even more to come out of it. I'll share some biblical, Christian techniques for overcoming this deeper depression in Part 3. By the way, our prayers can be more effective if we pray in a biblically sound way. To learn more about this go to doersoftheword.org and look into church service archives to find more information about this, as well as deliverance.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Walking the Walk Through Depression
It's tough in the Christian world to know the real implications, causes, and effects of depression. There's a stigma attached. Most of us believe there is more to this life than what we can see. There is an afterlife. Our spirit matter will continue to exist even beyond our physical experience here on Earth. For this reason it's important to get things right while we're here. Heaven is where we want to be, so committing an act of sin that could land us someplace else is not only defeating the purpose, but blatantly contradicting it altogether. Still, headlines are full of accounts of people who sit in pews and go to church regularly committing the unthinkable and taking their own lives largely due to overwhelming depression. Instead of recognizing it as sickness that needs to be delivered like any other, we see it as taboo and stay away from allowing anyone to feel or discuss it.
So, we pretend a lot. Every week we are with the same groups of families sitting by us, worshiping with us, praying with us, even reaching out and serving with us, and we never know whether or not they're hurting inside. Sunday is all about smiles and joy...on the surface, but I wonder how many in various congregations across the country really feel it...depression.
This is not the melancholy, woe is me for now sadness, but real, debilitating, painful hurt. Depression convinces you that everything is all wrong and that nothing can ever turn out right again. It tells you that the silver lining in the cloud is only there to give you some type of disease and that you should be worried about tomorrow because it will not take care of itself, it will be awful and so will every day beyond that. It makes it seem unnecessary to get out of bed, to engage friends and family, to reach out, to do anything since you feel so worthless and unimaginably useless. Depression is not a joke or something to shout, "Get over it!" It is a painful, hurtful illness that destroys and takes lives around us every day.
It's just a silent killer. No one wants to admit to it and if they do, they are often ostracized, especially in the church. This is when biblical truth and expectations clash with societal acceptance and norms. God's word tells us several things about this hurt.
1.) Jesus felt this type of hurt himself:
Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done." 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46"Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"
If the God of the universe came here in the flesh and experienced this pain, we of all people should be understanding and compassionate about this frame of mind. In His example, the horror and anguish he must've known is unimaginable. He got through it by finding hope in His purpose and praying.
2.) Up to 92 verses in the Bible demonstrate God showing compassion or moving hearts to act with compassion, many times in response to deep sorrow. His response to our hurt is showing compassion. He responded with action. He rescued, He delivered, He healed, He fed, He taught. He did something. As His people we should be His disciples and react the same way. I've been a part of one church or another throughout my life and I can't count the number of times I've heard the "get over it" sermon. I challenge teachers and leaders to stop and consider this. It is appropriate in cases where someone is simply sad, but hugely out of place when a heart is desperately hurting with depression.
This is only a small illustration of how kingdom minded people who are not simply religious, but want to live an authentic life in Christ, can turn away from societal norms and embrace biblical standards. The next time you sense that someone is depressed and needs you, reach out to them. If a teenager is being harassed help them. If a single mom, or just any mom for that matter, appears to be overwhelmed or frustrated, offer to help. When you see someone hurting, don't let them stay that way without your compassion. Your hugs, your words of encouragement, your prayers can go a long way to helping them recover.
So, we pretend a lot. Every week we are with the same groups of families sitting by us, worshiping with us, praying with us, even reaching out and serving with us, and we never know whether or not they're hurting inside. Sunday is all about smiles and joy...on the surface, but I wonder how many in various congregations across the country really feel it...depression.
This is not the melancholy, woe is me for now sadness, but real, debilitating, painful hurt. Depression convinces you that everything is all wrong and that nothing can ever turn out right again. It tells you that the silver lining in the cloud is only there to give you some type of disease and that you should be worried about tomorrow because it will not take care of itself, it will be awful and so will every day beyond that. It makes it seem unnecessary to get out of bed, to engage friends and family, to reach out, to do anything since you feel so worthless and unimaginably useless. Depression is not a joke or something to shout, "Get over it!" It is a painful, hurtful illness that destroys and takes lives around us every day.
It's just a silent killer. No one wants to admit to it and if they do, they are often ostracized, especially in the church. This is when biblical truth and expectations clash with societal acceptance and norms. God's word tells us several things about this hurt.
1.) Jesus felt this type of hurt himself:
Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done." 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46"Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"
If the God of the universe came here in the flesh and experienced this pain, we of all people should be understanding and compassionate about this frame of mind. In His example, the horror and anguish he must've known is unimaginable. He got through it by finding hope in His purpose and praying.
2.) Up to 92 verses in the Bible demonstrate God showing compassion or moving hearts to act with compassion, many times in response to deep sorrow. His response to our hurt is showing compassion. He responded with action. He rescued, He delivered, He healed, He fed, He taught. He did something. As His people we should be His disciples and react the same way. I've been a part of one church or another throughout my life and I can't count the number of times I've heard the "get over it" sermon. I challenge teachers and leaders to stop and consider this. It is appropriate in cases where someone is simply sad, but hugely out of place when a heart is desperately hurting with depression.
This is only a small illustration of how kingdom minded people who are not simply religious, but want to live an authentic life in Christ, can turn away from societal norms and embrace biblical standards. The next time you sense that someone is depressed and needs you, reach out to them. If a teenager is being harassed help them. If a single mom, or just any mom for that matter, appears to be overwhelmed or frustrated, offer to help. When you see someone hurting, don't let them stay that way without your compassion. Your hugs, your words of encouragement, your prayers can go a long way to helping them recover.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Releasing Others From Your Anger...Before Sin
Mark 11:15 - Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves;
This scripture has often been misused to justify angry behavior in God's people. Whenever Christians become angry and act out the justification goes something like this:
"Well, what do you think was happening with Jesus when he turned over the tables of the money changers?"
Rather than repent of the sin the person moves forward in the same attitude. The truth is this is a gross misuse of scripture. Most times when we get angry it's because someone has done something to us that was hurtful. They've said something, or done something, or even omitted something, that was an offense to us. We move forward in anger against them, holding onto whatever they did and feeling righteous in our anger and hurt, as if they deserve our anger for what they did.
Yet, we don't comprehend God's anger in the Old Testament when His people consistently defied His word and continually sinned against His creation. Enter Jesus, the sacrifice. He took the sins of the world and allowed that sin to be applied to himself. He was punished severely for our sins so that we wouldn't have to suffer the ultimate punishment of separation from God. So, now as born again people we are card carrying citizens of Heaven, free from punishment of sin. Still, when someone sins and hurts us, we react in anger and want to punish, even after God forgives us for so much and delivers us from the wages of sin.
What does His word say about anger? Jesus says things like, "If your brother hits you on the cheek, turn the other one and offer it to him also." He consistently chides us not to respond to offense in anger, but in love. Still, we latch on to how this person has done us wrong. Not moved with any compassion or sorrow, just intent that they need to get what's coming to them. But we gave up our right to be angry with all people for offending us when we accepted Jesus and what He did for us at the cross. Not only was He pierced for my sins, but for all who accept His sacrifice. I forfeit my forgiveness when I don't rush to forgive others. (Matthew 6:15)
So, why the table? Was that sin? No, Jesus responded to the offense of the kingdom. The spectacle of people buying and selling for profit in the Father's house was not acceptable. When we get angry, which we will, it should not be for our own sake, but for the sake of the kingdom. Get angry with the dark spirit realm that seeks to take us out, kill us, destroy us. But, not with each other. This life is short and we are but a vapor while eternity is so long it's beyond comprehension. When evil threatens to destroy the kingdom, or take away God's promises we need to strike back in the spirit with deliverance driving out satanic forces in prayer.
We are inundated with satan's response to offense. Random road rage, angry people of all ages posting punches and fights and tirades on Youtube, which the media picks up and then we see it again on TV, newsprint, and various websites. Anger is everywhere, but according to Pew research 78% of us claim Jesus as our Savior!
Serious disconnect. Let's try living this out. The next time we get angry, instead of punching or hitting or cursing or, for us passive aggressives, hurting them in an inconspicuous way, we'll get on our knees. A prayer could go something like this:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace and mercy of the cross. Thank you for Jesus' sacrifice and for giving me authority to bind and loose evil spirits, to cast out demons in Jesus name, and to heal sickness and disease. I repent of my anger towards (insert name). I love them and I know you do too. Please forgive me for my behavior or my attitude of unforgiveness. I forgive them with my whole heart. Now I bind the spirit of (name the function of it) in Jesus name. I bind it and suspend all of its activity in the heavenly realm. Spirit of (name the function of it) I cast you out now, I strike and drive at you to your destruction in the name of Jesus. Thank you Father for your love and protection over Your people. Thank you for sending angels to fight. I receive the release now in Jesus' name.
(You can find more info about deliverance at this link: doersoftheword.org )
Then, let it go. Remember that God loves who you're angry with as much as He loves you. He's not on "your side". He's waiting for you to be obedient to Him so He can restore you. Repent so you can shut down those evil forces.
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