Glory and honor and praise to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am one of those who has battled depression repeatedly, and I finally heard what God wanted me to do to fight the enemy in this area where he had been defeating me so thoroughly.
I believe the answer God gave in His Holy Bible, and that works for me, is the remedy of the scriptures. This is how Jesus delivers me from it, praise God!
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
I had to realize that it doesn’t say rejoice when things are good. It says rejoice EVERMORE. It doesn’t say in some things give thanks, but only if you are feeling happy. NOPE, it says in EVERYTHING give thanks. Wow.
This may sound simplistic, but it is effective. As far as I know, you are not actually able to think two thoughts truly at once, they must compete. You bounce between them, and the thoughts you feed the most grow the biggest. So at the first sign that I recognize that I might start (or already am) slipping down that very slippery slope of depression, I fight it with good thoughts and praise.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on THESE things.” (Philippians 4:8)
There is always something for which to be thankful! I start by thanking God for every single thing that I can possibly bring to mind for which I am thankful. Then, I sing praises to Him who is ALWAYS worthy of praise – NO MATTER WHAT!
It is easy, even if we don’t always remember to do it (shame on us) to praise God when things are going well, but God wants us to praise Him in ALL things and in ALL times. I believe that is why it is called a SACRIFICE of praise, because humanly, sometimes it seems hard.
“…therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
I try to remember to take the long view. This life is a mist. Put things into perspective. Eternity is forever. Praise God!!! We will be with Him forever, because of Jesus!
“…but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20b)
And from Jude 1:25, “To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”