DEFEATING DEPRESSION

Pastor Bill Marks, Christian Fellowship, Potchefstroom, Tel: (018) 293 1608 or 082 260 5965 In the depression years (1929 - 1933) when the Stock Market collapsed, about 15 million Americans were unemployed. It was dark days for them and the Government would let the people dig drenches and later close them up again just so that they could earn some money. Depression meant lack of money and a bleak future. You may also be experiencing financial pressure at this moment. Be sure to find an answer in the Word of God! 1 Cor. 10:13 - “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man. But God is faithful; who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are ABLE, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be ABLE to bear it.” God is faithful. He will not let you down or disappoint you. He will rescue you. The word escape in its original usage means: He will pick you up from the depth of your depression and give you an objective view of your situation, so that you will be ABLE to bear it and not run away from it. 2 Cor. 9:7,8 - “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver and God is ABLE to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” The key problem of depression is absorption with self. When you indulge in the sin of self-pity, you become depressed and feel sorry for yourself. When you do not feel good about yourself, you become insecure which leads to inferiority and unworthiness. Psalm 42: 11 - “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God; your hope in God is your hope for joy in spite of adverse circumstances, for hopelessness leads to defeat.” The Greek equivalent of the Hewbrew word for joy is CHARA: not a joy that comes from earthly things, but one that is based on a consistent relationship with God. 1 Kings 19:4 - “But Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die and said, ‘It is enough! Now, Lord take my life!’ ” Jezebel had threatened Elijah (1 Kings 19:2), and he became depressed by allowing fear into his life. 2 Tim. 1:7 - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” Unrecognised and untreated stress can be the cause of depression and physical ailments. (Mrs Nixon suffered a stroke after the Watergate scandal). Jonah 4:1,4 - “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. ‘Therefore now, O Lord please take my life from me for it is better for me to die than to live.’ ” Unresolved anger will also cause depression. Psychologists tell us anger is a secondary emotion. Anger consumes the ability to relate and it destroys relationships. Do not let bitterness or mistrust allow you to become angry. God's character is described in Jonah 4:2. He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. Our ultimate answer in defeating depression is found in the Word of God. Jer. 15:16 - “Your words were found and I ate them and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. A joyful heart gives divine strength.” Neh. 8:10 - “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Real lasting joy is possible only in Jesus Christ, Who through the Holy Spirit, fills our beings and yields the fruit of joy! Sponsored by TG TRADERS