DEPRESSION

By: Nancy Abiera

 

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” I will say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long. “Where is your God?”Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:1-3/9-11

We have been in chaos globally for the last two years. Fear, anxiety, depression and other negative emotions continue. Many are depressed bringing many unpleasant feelings such as the sense of restlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness.

Christians are no exception. I, myself, got depressed when I got Covid-19 before Thanksgiving. I was sick physically, mentally and spiritually: all the works. It felt like I was hacked. Joyful Nancy turned into Sorrowful Nancy. I realized I could relate with King David as I read the Book of Psalms in the Bible. Did you know that even the major heroes in the Bible God used had seasons of depression? Many even questioned God. However, this gave me an opportunity for deep revelation: God reveals and continues to reveal Himself as ever-faithful. Yes, I hit rock bottom yet I praise God for Jesus as my Rock who met me in the valley. I got healed and now back to good health. Thank You, Jesus!

Here are the revelations from Psalm 23:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. You prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup run over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23

Psalms 23 and 42 gave me so much comfort during these low seasons of my life. It is a reminder for all of us that God is our Shepherd, Helper, Healer, etc. He is always there to provide, protect, guide, heal, sustain and care for us, etc. In my life, when I am faced with difficulties in life especially depression, I go back to these scriptures for the healing of my soul. My hope is that it would do the same for you. We have a Good Shepherd in Jesus and He cares for us more than we know.

When depression knocks again, declare: “Depression, No Entry! Jesus gave me the key to shut the door. He is my Good Shepherd, Savior and Lord!”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are our Shepherd. We thank you for your presence even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We now walk away from depression and walk towards joy and peace. Restore our hearts and our souls. Allow us to lie down in stillness and have a breath of fresh life. We detox from depression and exchange it with Your unspeakable joy now in Jesus’ name.

Declare as needed:

I now declare I am too excited and blessed to be stressed or depressed. I have divine health. I shall live and not die to declare the works of the Lord. In Jesus’ Name.

Always choose “On A Bright Side” moving further and farther “On A Brightest Side”.

I love you readers with the love of the Lord yet the Lord loves you the most. You are blessed, smile and be a blessing!