Overcoming Depression
By Suzanne Leitz |
Do you ever feel depressed? Probably. The
opportunity to get depressed comes quite often. Too many times when depression
knocks on the door, we readily open the door and allow it in without
resistance. Many don't realize WE have the choice either to accept or to
reject depression.
What is depression? Webster defines it as a
state of feeling sad; disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in
thinking/concentration and feelings of dejection. Depression robs you of
creativity, motivation and energy.
How does one become depressed? By taking
thoughts that make you a depressed captive. Thoughts are a key issue where
depression is concerned. You may not realize or believe you have control over
your thoughts, but you do. You may not realize how important thoughts are, or
how their negativity affects you.
II Corinthians 10:3-5 in the Amplified Bible
says, "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our
warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons
of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood), but they are
mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, (inasmuch
as we) refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty
thing that sets itself up against the (true) knowledge of God; and we lead
every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ, the
Messiah, the Anointed One."
We are to refute reasonings. If a negative
thought comes to your mind, you have a choice at that moment to accept or
reject it. If you accept it, the thought can only go downhill from there.
Negative thoughts nearly always contain distortions! The longer you entertain
the negative thought, the larger the problem looms in your mind. What you feed
grows, and what you starve dies.
The reader should understand what is meant by
"negative thoughts." Negative thoughts are those which do not agree
with God's Word. The aforementioned verses in II Corinthians says we are to
cast down imaginations and everything that would try to exalt itself above
God. We are to take every thought into the obedience of Christ. How do we do
that?
First, recognize the thought which is causing
depression. Reject it in Jesus' name (Philippians 2:9-11).
Next, think on things that are true, honest,
just, pure, lovely, and OF GOOD REPORT. "If there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these things...and the God of peace shall be
with you." (Philippians 4:8; see also Isaiah 26:3-4)
Our thoughts decree our moods!
Depressing thoughts may come, but you don't have to let them stay. As a wise
man once said, "I can't stop the birds from flying overhead, but I can
stop them from building a nest in my hair!"
© 2003 Suzanne Leitz |
