Depression is not a myth. It’s real as life and death. It’s an illness, but above all, it’s a spirit just like any other demonic spirit. When it comes on a person, it freezes the reasoning, takes away the sense and sanctity of life and the desire to be alive here on earth, in this world. At that very moment, the latter does what comes to mind without not having the ability and capacity to refrain. This may happen to anybody if precautions are not taken and a fightback strategy is not learned and executed when the spirit of depression manifests.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
Among many, the causes of depression run through our daily lives as humans, individually and differently. These include fear, bad days on the job or at the office, job loss, bullying, business challenges, domestic abuses and troubles, marriage and relationship issues, divorce, breakup, failed expectations, financial problems, debt, death of a loved one, low self-esteem, shame… Etc.
Beware
In fact, it’s to be noted also that there are things one may do to open the door to the spirit of depression. When you compromise the state of your humanity with some substances and/or practices such as drugs, magic, witchcraft… Etc., it may lead to depression. There is so much I can elaborate on this point, but for time’s sake I will leave it as is.
DEPRESSION IN THE BIBLE
Among many examples of depression in the Bible, we would mention a few. Starting from Elijah’s when he was cut up into a battle with Jezebel, the wicked wife of King Ahab. The Bible states, “And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” (1 Kings 19: 3-4). Here we notice even a prophet of God, Elijah under heavy depression when all his hope and expectations seem far from being accomplished. Read full story in 1 Kings, chapters 16-19.
In the book of 1 Samuel, we discover the story of depression of King Saul after the Spirit of God departed from him as a result of disobeying God. We read, “After the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him—And Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him to me.”— And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play, and Saul would become well, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.” (1 Samuel 16: 14-22).
WHEN DEPRESSION HITS
Depression must be dealt with psychologically and physically, but it should also be dealt with spiritually because is a demon. Alcohol, drugs, sex, materials, money, status, position… will not end unhappiness nor depression in your life. When depression comes on you, consult a professional, but also talk to your pastor or a real man of God.
When God created you, he created you to be a soul, spirit and body. Even if you argue that you are only a spirit and body, without not believing there is a difference between your soul and spirit, at least you do know that you’re more than a body or flesh. And believe it or not, your spirit man/being controls your physical body one way or the other.
“A fact is a reality that cannot be logically disputed or rejected.” And “Truths are those things that are not simply acknowledged but must be discovered.” And according to either one of these definitions, I mean “realities” that cannot be disputed, and “things” that have been discovered even scientifically about human beings, may I suggest to you that, it takes GOD, the CREATOR, the HOLY SPIRIT to be happy in an IMPERFECT WORLD. The world is not perfect, not because God created it to be imperfect, but man right from the beginning of time mess up the original plan and will of God for him on earth (refer to the Garden of Eden, Genesis chapters 1-3). There is nothing like 24/7 happiness in this world. But the SPIRIT of God, the HOLY SPIRIT can quicken your spirit when you’re depressed. You may follow the instructions of your physician or psychologist, but keep in mind that the great physician is God. The Bible says, “Though you have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.…” (Psalm 71: 20-21).
Suicide
As much as I can sympathize with people who commit suicide and try to imagine their level of hurt, I pray that you consider this, your life and existence, your purpose and destiny in this world is bigger than yourself and everything you are going through whether you realize it or not. There are people who live, laugh, have a sense of hope and feel better because you’re in this world. Ending your life is not the best choice. Ending your life is just like transferring the hurt to your loved ones, your spouse, children, relatives and friends and even strangers who love you and have a sense of life, laughter and hope because you’re in this world with them. The impact of your suicide causes another chain of hurt. When you end your life, you create another element of hurt that could trigger another suicide sooner or later in another person’s life. Please think and consider more than yourself.
Fighting Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
This is not a professional counseling session for you. Consult with your professional counselor, psychologist and physician. However, the following can help you get back to yourself when the spirit of depression comes on you…
1. Use The Name of Jesus
This may sound simple and even foolish to some people. Take authority over the spirit of depression in the matchless name JESUS CHRIST by commanding it to leave you. Remember, even though scientifically it can be proven that there are physical or natural causes for depression, in many cases it’s a demonic attack or oppression and has to be dealt with spiritually as well. And the Word of God says, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:9). The LORD Jesus Christ says, “I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14: 13)
2. Declare the Word of God
Remember when the devil came to attack the LORD Jesus Christ (Matthew 4: 1-11), he used the word of God against him and the thoughts he was transmitting to him. The Psalmist said, “I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.” (Psalm 118:17). In another passage he declares, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). Declare all the good promises of God over yourself and your life.
3. Read and Listen to the Word of God
The Bible says, “Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10: 17). The belief that you can overcome difficult times in life and get better comes from the Word of God. Therefore, feed yourself with the Word of God. Read the word, and if you feel so crushed and can’t read play the audio Bible which you can download on your computer or mobile devices. Listen to anointed and uplifting messages/ sermons. The Bible says, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55: 22) “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5: 7)
4. Sing and Play Your Favorite Spiritual and Anointed Songs
When it comes to your well being, music plays a big part of it; especially spiritual and anointed songs which lyrics come straight from the Word of God, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. That’s why as a Christian, you have to be very selective about the songs or music you listen to. Remember music played by David made the spirit of depression leave king Saul. (1 Samuel 16: 23)
5. Pray and Speak in Tongues.
Here is the supernatural and mysterious part, which some people don’t believe and practice. Hear me please, if you don’t believe in praying in tongues and don’t pray and speak in tongues, you are missing on one of the tools and weapons God who is a Spirit and created you to be a spirit living in a body has given you to survive in this world. The Bible says, “He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 14:2). In a simple explanation, praying and speaking in tongues switches your mind and spiritual being to speak and pray in heavenly and unknown languages, whereby the Holy Spirit prays and intercedes on your behalf to God. And the Bible says, “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:27). Time won’t permit for me to go deeper in this subject, but please understand that speaking in tongues can quench or terminate sorrow and bitterness in your spirit.
6. Talk to Someone
Talking to someone even confidentially about what you’re going through not only can relieve you, but it can assist getting help to you as soon as possible in the best way and timely possible. Be honest and transparent. Remember someone, even the best “counselor” can only give you advice based on the measure of information you give out. As a pastor, over the years I have learned and realized that often, people looking for advice would not say everything about their situation because they are either looking for someone to tell them what they want to hear or just being too secretive. Being too secretive can cost delay in the process of getting help or even cost the loss of your life. Everybody needs a confidant with whom he/she can share life’s events with. Choose the right person you can be sharing private things with. Even if you have been disappointed by some fake people who were your confidants, find a trustworthy person with whom you can share even the so-called secrets of your life with. Talk to your professional counselor, physician or psychologist, pastor… Talk to someone.
7. Don’t Stay Alone
At times, it’s good to retrieve, stay by yourself, meditate, create and be refreshed. But this is not a good practice when you’re feeling crushed by life and hopelessness. Being with loved ones and positive people can elevate your spirit from the pit of darkness in life. Being with a positive, spirit filled and lifted church, a relative, a friend… in difficult times can give you a new hope, different perspective and what matters about life. The Bible says, “– Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in harmony! It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore.” (Psalm 133: 1-3)
NOBODY LISTENS TO ME
A few weeks ago, one morning after getting to my desk, the phone rang and as I picked it up, at the other end was one of our customers, a business owner who wanted to pay his invoice. I asked him, “How are you doing?” He replied, “I can’t complain. I’m doing all right. Because even when I complain, nobody listens.” At first, I laughed as usual when I talk to him and he cracks jokes. We had a little talk. I helped him take care of his invoice and ended the call. But after the end of the call, I started processing the thought to draw a lesson. I like learning from everyday activities and incidents to grow and mature spiritually and naturally.
“Even when I complain, nobody listens.” He said. Why does he feel like nobody listens? Now, I’m not naïve that there are stubborn and selfish people, people who care less about how others feel or are doing. But I was trying to learn something from his response and the talk we had as a pastor and a business owner. Suddenly, it came to me: “Not all people are stubborn, selfish and careless, there are also good people just as there are bad people. Sometimes, we just don’t tell the truth and misrepresent our feelings and what’s really going on in different areas of our lives.”
Don’t be Afraid to Show Your Feeling
There’s nothing like a superhuman. No matter how spiritual you’re, you are a spirit who lives in a body. Therefore, you may be hurt, feel sad, angry and tired. Hiding your feelings and the state of your humanity can be catastrophic when it explodes. Learn to gently and truthfully show or talk about how you feel with your loved ones, friends, co-workers, business partners, employer and employees.
Lend Your Ear and Feeling to People
Listening to people is very important. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by our own challenges to the extent that we don’t feel like listening or caring for the feeling of others. You could save a life if only you can be a little selfless and take a few moment to listen and consider someone’s feeling to resolve issues. Lend your ear to someone today, listen to someone’s pain and complaint. Try to put yourself in their place and see if you can understand them. And even if you don’t understand them, look for ways to help them have peace or make peace with them.
May God help us to acknowledge and be connected to HIM as the Creator, source, strength or energy and comfort of our lives even here in this world. And may He help us to be real and transparent whenever and wherever needed.
May the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.