loolalooh
Well-Known Member
Disclaimer: Not all mental illnesses are of a spiritual nature; some are chemical or biological. This thread is geared more towards depression, which if rooted in negative thinking not associated with a chemical imbalance or wiring of the mind, is more than likely a spiritual matter. And even if there has been a re-wiring of the mind because of the depression, one can still benefit from a solid spiritual foundation in addition to psychological resources.
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It has crossed my mind (and spirit) numerous times to post about "Overcoming Depression." But each time I held back. Well, I want to post about it now. I've suffered from depression on and off for some time and know that there are other Christians who do as well or have in the past. Ideally this thread can be an area where we:
1.) Share advice on how to overcome depression
2.) Reach out during times of depression
3.) Share Scripture to uplift one another from depression
4.) Share general spiritual insight into the spiritual side of depression
5.) Post spiritual references concerning depression
and more
For now, I'll start with the following:
Prayers: LHCF Prayer Against Depression
Scripture: Job, Psalm 143, Psalm 13
Sermons on Depression:
http://www.sg-audiotreasures.org/ja/ja_depression.mp3 (Beware. This is heavy and requires open ears to absorb.)
http://youtu.be/3Q8rnTto98M?t=56s (TD Jakes. Though I haven't listened to it yet, he has yet to disappoint me with his messages.)
Spiritual Insight: The enemy enjoys attacking the mind, and one of his weapons includes injecting negative thoughts into the mind. A Christian who delves deep into depression rooted in negative thinking and lingers there for too long has given the enemy a foothold. At this point, he has you where he wants you, be it in an area of unbelief, an area under the control of negative emotions, an area where you are unable to experience blessings, and/or an area where you are unable to do the work of the Lord. It is a mighty clever weapon to use, especially against an active Christian. Major depression can render that Christian inactive, especially mentally and physically. Putting on the full armor of God is the best defense and offense against the enemy: 1. defeat his lies with the belt of truth, 2. guard your emotions, self-worth, and trust with the armor of God's righteousness, 3. put on the shoes of peace, 4. defeat insults and setbacks with the shield of faith, 5. fight doubt with the helmet of salvation, 6. fight his attacks with the sword of the Word of God. It is easier said than done, but it must be done.
Spiritual Homework: The hardest part in battling depression is getting started on the solution. Depression can be that debilitating. But if you want to experience what God has for you in this life (e.g., your purpose, your blessings, your spiritual growth), then you must do the homework: 1. Find a good psychologist, preferably a Christian psychologist. 2. Start a Bible reading regimen. Get into the Word daily. Post uplifting Scriptures around your bedroom so that you read them when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed in the night. 3. Allow the power of sin to be broken. Sometimes, sin opens the door to depression. Close that door. 4. Remember that "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." Let go of the regret of past sins. Holding on to regret can open the door to depression. 5. Get close to God. Develop the habit of having regular quiet time with the Lord. 6. And most importantly, hold onto the Word. Don't let go. Once you let go, you've created a hole in your armor.
Depression's Doorways: These are just some doorways that can create an entrance for depression. Beware of your doorways and work to close them:
Bitterness
Anger
Envy
Regret
Selfishness
Low Self-Esteem
Unforgiveness (of others or self)
Fear
Unhealthy Diet
Resentment
Not Guarding the Heart (Proverbs 4:23)
Relationships/Friendships with Negative Individuals
Lack of a Good Church Home
No Prayer Life
Superficial Faith
Certain Sins
********************************
It has crossed my mind (and spirit) numerous times to post about "Overcoming Depression." But each time I held back. Well, I want to post about it now. I've suffered from depression on and off for some time and know that there are other Christians who do as well or have in the past. Ideally this thread can be an area where we:
1.) Share advice on how to overcome depression
2.) Reach out during times of depression
3.) Share Scripture to uplift one another from depression
4.) Share general spiritual insight into the spiritual side of depression
5.) Post spiritual references concerning depression
and more
For now, I'll start with the following:
Prayers: LHCF Prayer Against Depression
Scripture: Job, Psalm 143, Psalm 13
Sermons on Depression:
http://www.sg-audiotreasures.org/ja/ja_depression.mp3 (Beware. This is heavy and requires open ears to absorb.)
http://youtu.be/3Q8rnTto98M?t=56s (TD Jakes. Though I haven't listened to it yet, he has yet to disappoint me with his messages.)
Spiritual Insight: The enemy enjoys attacking the mind, and one of his weapons includes injecting negative thoughts into the mind. A Christian who delves deep into depression rooted in negative thinking and lingers there for too long has given the enemy a foothold. At this point, he has you where he wants you, be it in an area of unbelief, an area under the control of negative emotions, an area where you are unable to experience blessings, and/or an area where you are unable to do the work of the Lord. It is a mighty clever weapon to use, especially against an active Christian. Major depression can render that Christian inactive, especially mentally and physically. Putting on the full armor of God is the best defense and offense against the enemy: 1. defeat his lies with the belt of truth, 2. guard your emotions, self-worth, and trust with the armor of God's righteousness, 3. put on the shoes of peace, 4. defeat insults and setbacks with the shield of faith, 5. fight doubt with the helmet of salvation, 6. fight his attacks with the sword of the Word of God. It is easier said than done, but it must be done.
Spiritual Homework: The hardest part in battling depression is getting started on the solution. Depression can be that debilitating. But if you want to experience what God has for you in this life (e.g., your purpose, your blessings, your spiritual growth), then you must do the homework: 1. Find a good psychologist, preferably a Christian psychologist. 2. Start a Bible reading regimen. Get into the Word daily. Post uplifting Scriptures around your bedroom so that you read them when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed in the night. 3. Allow the power of sin to be broken. Sometimes, sin opens the door to depression. Close that door. 4. Remember that "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." Let go of the regret of past sins. Holding on to regret can open the door to depression. 5. Get close to God. Develop the habit of having regular quiet time with the Lord. 6. And most importantly, hold onto the Word. Don't let go. Once you let go, you've created a hole in your armor.
Depression's Doorways: These are just some doorways that can create an entrance for depression. Beware of your doorways and work to close them:
Bitterness
Anger
Envy
Regret
Selfishness
Low Self-Esteem
Unforgiveness (of others or self)
Fear
Unhealthy Diet
Resentment
Not Guarding the Heart (Proverbs 4:23)
Relationships/Friendships with Negative Individuals
Lack of a Good Church Home
No Prayer Life
Superficial Faith
Certain Sins
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