Medical doctor and pastor Martyn Lloyd-Jones insightfully asked, "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is because you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?"
Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking something like,You're not ready for today. You don't have what it takes. Just stay in bed….
Morning pep talks like this can ruin your day. Twenty years ago, those voices got the best of me, leaving me depressed. Even though I was serving God, I felt like I was in a courtroom, wondering if I pleased God enough, waiting for His judgment. Over time, I learned the way I handled life—especially the trials that come with it—varied widely on my temperament.
So, I learned to pay special attention to my attitudes and tendencies. A proper perspective and a positive attitude helped me overcome my anxiety. But abiding in Jesus was my most significant weapon in battling depression. Here are 3 steps to help you find your way out of depression.
Step 1: Find Your Identity in Jesus
"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it." –Psalm 139:14 NLT
You were wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe. He knows you inside and out, and loves every part of you. As you navigate your battle with depression, it’s important to have a grounding point. Always stay connected to your identity and Jesus—you are God’s masterpiece and workmanship!
If you find yourself struggling, turn back to this truth: you are made in God’s image, and nothing can ever change that. Examine your heart regularly to see where you’ve forgotten who you are in Jesus. No matter how far you stray, He is always ready to welcome you back to remind you who you truly are.
Step 2: Seek Professional Help
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” – Matthew 11:28 NLT
There are a number of root causes for depression. Take the time to find help through the right channels to get the best care possible for your individual situation. Find a support group, talk to a therapist, or talk to your doctor about medicine.
No one person is the same, and you should have no shame finding the care you deserve. If you’re experiencing a dangerous or life threatening situation because of your depression, such as suicidal thoughts, call the or text 988 and press 0 to speak to a trained professional who will walk you through next steps.
Step 3: Rely on God’s Faithfulness
"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God…." Psalm 42:5-6 (NLT)
While dealing with depression is a process, and oftentime requires ongoing care, you can trust that God is always with you through this journey. He has promised to complete the work that He started in you (Philippians 1:6) and will never leave your side (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6). Here’s a few ways to keep your eyes on the light of God through the darkness of the valley:
- Talk to God regularly. He is always ready to hear from you and enjoys when you share your heart with Him—the highs and the lows, the good and the bad. The more you spend time with Him, the more your trust grows. The more you share with Him, the lighter your heart feels as you cast your burdens onto Him (Psalm 55:22).
- Keep God’s Word close to your heart. Meditate on it daily. Reflect on how the promises of God impact your life. Repeat it to yourself when you’re struggling. His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11) and has transformative power in your life.
- Receive God’s mercy and grace daily. God's grace is always bigger than you think it is, and His mercy never runs out. Don’t hesitate to ask Him to pour out His blessings and affection—as His child, He wants to shower you with love!
If you find yourself in a season of depression, be encouraged. There is a way out. These feelings won't last forever. God is redeeming, restoring, and making all things new—and that includes you.
Dig Deeper:
- What Scriptures can you repeat when you feel discouraged? (Here are a few I use: Philippians 4:4-9; 2 Timothy 1:7).
- What steps can you take this week to get the support and help you need?
