Deterrent to Depression

Winter can be tough on those who are unable to get out and mingle. I thought it would be appropriate to share this article at this time of year. I wrote this article a few years ago around Father's Day.

I wanted to write something about my dad since it is Father’s Day and close to the date of his death.  I came across a manila folder marked “Poems for Dad’s Funeral.”  He had written a couple of poems that he wanted someone to read at his funeral. I had forgotten the exact content so before reading them, I thought of posting them on my blog as a memorial to him.  After reading them I thought it would be best not to post them.  (I remember now why I didn’t have them read at his funeral.)

Just like many in the world today, my dad struggled with depression.  He told me one time that Mom kept him on track when he would get down in the dumps as a pastor.  She would remind him of the difference he was making for the sake of Christ.  Depression hit him hard when he lost Mom to cancer after thirty-five years of marriage.  He was lonely and remarried very quickly.  He lost several family and church members because of his decision.  He felt so rejected and unloved.  He had given his life to serve the Lord Jesus and to help people. People that he had loved and cared for over so many years disappeared, and loneliness presided.  Heart issues and a brain-stem stroke changed his life. He still ministered to people but day after day he struggled with depression, hurt, and rejection.  His physical difficulties along with his battle with bitterness wreaked havoc in his life, especially in his later years.   

When visiting on the bad days, I tried to encourage him to remember the goodness of the Lord.  I would remind him to be thankful for those who still demonstrated their love for him.  When he was at his lowest, words didn’t do much to help him. He would become frustrated with people saying, “It could be worse.”  He would remark, “It could be better, too!”  Another might say, “God won’t put more on you than he will give you grace to carry.”  He knew that, but that didn’t bring peace in that moment in time.  I tried not to use empty words but just like others my words of encouragement were usually not enough.  Normally a long visit from family or good friends seemed to help and most of all reading the Word of God lifted his spirit.

I only share my dad’s struggles because I realize that many deal with depression today.  Men of the Bible struggled with depression from time to time, too. The Psalms are full of David’s struggles and deepest thoughts. He might start a psalm out negatively but would then remember to thank God for His goodness.  Job went through depression when coping with the loss of everything he had.  Life was tough for him. I’m reminded of Elijah who wanted to give up and die.  God sent an angel to feed him and encourage him to move on. He felt that he was the only prophet standing for Jehovah God.  God revealed seven thousand other prophets that were faithful.  The trick of the devil is to make us feel like we are the only one going through a difficult time.  It is not so!      

I must admit that I struggle from time to time with depression, which truly frustrates me because I used to get irritated with Dad for the same thing.  A pity-party from time to time will land me down in the dumps every time. When I struggle, I go back to what my dad taught me and for years counseled others to do; count your blessings, take time to be a blessing to someone else, and use the Word of God as your sword to renew your thoughts and mind through Christ Jesus. 

Philippians Chapter 4 is a quite worn in my Bible. I use it frequently. Paul exhorts us to rejoice always, not to worry about anything, and to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving. The passage also reminds me to think on the positive things not on the negative.  When I think of the goodness of the Lord, I overcome and get back on track. Then I can be a blessing to others.

As I deal with people that are depressed, I try not to use clichés and empty words. They do very little to change a person’s mindset.  However, the Word of the Lord gives life to those who will grasp hold of it. Here are some Bible passages that can be used when fighting with depression or negativity in general:

God is good!  (It’s not just a cliché.)

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

“For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;” Psalm 100:5

“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”  Psalm 106:1

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 107:1; Psalm 118:1; Psalm 118:29; Psalm 136:1

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,…and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15

At this point, I write down or begin to thank God in prayer for everyone that he has placed in my life, His provision, health, job, etc.  I also thank Him for being merciful to me.  It could be worse!

I am somebody in the eyes of the Lord.  Remember who God says that I am.

**Here is a link to another article that highlights who I am according to the scriptures: http://pearcydru-writings.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-identity.html  What precious truths are revealed when I see myself as God sees me!

“For God hath not given me a spirit of fear; but of love, power and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Some with severe depression may consider suicide.

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.”  Psalm 118:17

I don’t suffer from deep depression, but I know that it could reign if I don’t take the steps to remedy it.  I praise the Lord that my father, who experienced depression, was the one who taught me how to use the Word of God to overcome.  There is no denying that my dad experienced hardships that contributed to his depression.  He was able to practice what he preached and battled it.  He could and would thank the Lord for His goodness once he was able to take his eyes off the negative.  We may get down in the dumps from time to time, but there is no need to stay there.  Regardless of how hard it may be, count your blessings (write them down, say them out loud, or offer a prayer of thanksgiving), seek a way to help someone in need (call, text, write a letter, visit, or volunteer), and most importantly cling to the Word of God. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  John 8:32