DEPRESSION IS A DESTRUCTIVE THREAT TO OUR JOY AND HAPPINESS

BIBLE PASSAGE:
For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling;
He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high
upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies
who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts
of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
(Psalm 27:5-6)

MEDITATION:
Depression can strike at any time, can’t it? We live in a world
that is seemingly out of control, and with no signs of improving.
Crime has always existed, however heinous crimes (such as
random mass shootings) are increasing. Devaluing life at any
stage can result in devaluing it at all ages.

At one time, people felt safe in their homes, but home invasions
are now threatening our safe havens. Our weather seems more
unstable and we have been introduced to new devastations that
we have never heard of before, such as tsunamis.

There is enough ‘junk’ going on that even the most optimistic
person can have spells of pessimism. If we spend an inordinate
amount of time thinking about these things, it can pave the way
for depression to invade our thoughts, our emotions, and our
actions (or inactions).

Depression can have a devastating impact on everyone, including
Christians. David (a man after God’s heart) was not always on top
of his depression. There were times when his glad songs turned
into a kind of depressive mourning.
    My tears have been my food day and
    night, while people say to me all day
    long, “Where is your God?”
    (Psalm 42:3)

So, how do we prevent ourselves from becoming depressed? The
scriptures encourage us to restructure our thought patterns. We
should ask the Holy Spirit to help us reduce our thoughts about
the things that are depressing, and increase our appreciation for
the good things.

Paul told the Philippians (and us) the things that should occupy
our minds.
    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,
    whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
    is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable;
    if anything is excellent or praiseworthy. think about
    such things.
    (Philippians 4:8)

Another change in our thinking should be the development of an
attitude of praise. God has given us many blessings that are too
often taken for granted. Our minds should be filled with so much
praise, that there is no room left for thoughts of gloom and despair.
Look at the words of Psalm 150:
    Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him
    for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing
    greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with
    tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings
    and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise
    him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has
    breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

ACTION:
How are you battling the invasion of gloomy and depressing
thoughts? Have you applied the advice of Paul and David to
your own life? We should be so busy counting our blessings
that there is no room left for negative thinking, which can
cause us to become downhearted.

Whenever we overlook the source of our blessings (God), we
will have difficulty praising the Lord for all He has done for
us. Failure to acknowledge and appreciate His blessings can
weaken our faith, and make us more susceptible to the negative
thoughts, which can damage our emotions, and our outlook on
life.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for all of the many ways
You have blessed me. Thank You for how Your blessings
are new every morning daily. Help me to fill my thoughts
with anticipation of Your blessings in the future. Whenever
negative and depressing thoughts arise, teach me how to
quickly replace them with thoughts of Your glory, love,
forgiveness and blessings. Thank You for the greatest
blessing of Your Son, who lovingly gave Himself for me.
I pray that I will learn to praise You regardless of my
circumstances.”

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