Battling Depression

In these times people tend to worry about the economy and understandably so. There have been many lay-offs all over the country and talk of cutting unemployment from those who need it. I witness the worry and stress of it among my own loved ones but be encouraged.

Luke 12:29-32 says “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

What does that mean? Do not allow the stress of worrying about bills or how the economy is or lay-offs and unemployment send you into a state of depression (the spirit of heaviness). Yes the nation is concerned about these things and are seeking solutions as verse 30 says but if you’re a believer and a child of God then your Father knows all that you need. Like any natural father, He will take care of His children. It may not be the way we think it should go but it will be taken care of regardless. I know it is easier said than done especially when you’re battling with depression. Believe me I battled with depression for many years up until the past couple of years. Even then I still had my moments until the last 6 months or so. Its a hard thing to beat but it can be done. How? By seeking the kingdom of God. Just like it says in verse 31. I know what you’re thinking. "She’s one of those bible thumping fanatics that thinks scripture is a magic cure all." Not at all really. Yes I do take the Word to heart and try to apply it to everyday life but that’s the key word. APPLY. Just because I read it doesn’t mean my situation is magically going to change. How do you apply this? Think about it. When you’re depressed, down, stressed, angry, frustrated, etc, what do you want to do? Run away and escape it all. Right? I know I found myself thinking if I could just get out of this situation, get around different people, have better finances, etc I would be alright. I wanted to escape. It says seek the kingdom. Kingdom is a place right? Go to His place and seek Him through praise and prayer and the Word. Praise Him for the things we DO have. When we think about it we all know someone who is worse off as well as better off than ourselves. We may be struggling but there are some people in this world that have no food at all, clothes, television, cellphones, comps and internet, etc. Life is a struggle so the fact that we’re always going to wrestle with something or other will never change. The enemy is always on his job so we’ve got to get our game plan together instead of wishing we never have to struggle at all. Back to what I was saying. Prayer is how we communicate with God. Tell Him what you need, what you are struggling with, what you are feeling, what’s on your mind. He does care.

Nahum 1:7 says The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

His Word is one way He speaks to us in response. If you really seek Him with your heart and spirit, you will see He’ll start to answer you through His word and His people.

Lets go back to the word kingdom. When you imagine a kingdom you imagine a place of beauty, prosperity, and protection right? High walls surrounding it and guards patrolling to keep the people in the kingdom safe perhaps? The kingdom can be your place of escape. As Nahum said, a refuge in times of trouble. A safe place to hide and be protected and watched over.

Psalm 91:1-2 says 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Shelter of the Most High is the kingdom of God and He will not only surround us as a fortress and refuge He will also cover us from up above like a shadow. So when we trust in Him we are covered on all sides and above us too. The key word to both of those scriptures is TRUST. Trust in Him and not in circumstances and situations or what the media may tell you.

Last thing I want to touch on about kingdom is this. A kingdom is never empty is it? Its always filled with people. When it says seek the kingdom that includes seek the people of God. The people of His kingdom. We as the people of His kingdom are to encourage one another, pray for one another, and fight for (in the spirit) one another. Don’t look to, drugs, alcohol, sleeping around, or people that are stuck in the same depressed and negative state of mind as you are struggling with. If you both are struggling then how are you going to encourage and fight for one another? Right or wrong? I’ll leave you with one last scripture.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

How encouraging is that! People of His kingdom will always be taken care of and prosper because of their faithfulness to Him. He is faithful to take care of us like He promises. I am proof. Seek and surround yourself in the kingdom of God so that God can rescue you from the spirit of heaviness (depression) through His Holy Spirit. Only spirit can battle spirit so don’t battle it alone anymore.

This is a new year and new beginnings! I love you all and God bless! *hugs and smooches*

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