Look for the good things that can cheer you up. Psychology blogs articulate that depression, is a mental disorder characterised by at least two weeks of pervasive low mood. Low self-esteem, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, low energy, and pain without a clear cause are common symptoms. Some people have periods of depression separated by years, while others nearly always have symptoms present.
People in the Bible that were depressed were, Moses, Saul, David, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and even Jesus at some stage. It is not uncommon to get depressed but many a time depression draws one into a net of total self-destruction and should not be the case.
The Psalmist brings a key solution to the fore in Psalm 51:10-12 Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
Whilst a depressed mood is possible, a bit of humor, a laugh, listening to children play, eating a favorite food or sweet, may just swing the pendulum toward bringing joy back. Pray that God removes the triggers that bring about the depressive mood, so that the day and week can speak to joy and bring back the smile.
Dear Father, give me comfort to know that you really love me and that I can be free from the darkness that sometimes comes over me. Clear my mind and give me back my joy and the strength that I need to face the day. Help me to see lovely things, listen for laughter and to be happy. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you for the Truth of depression. We as Christians must learn how to handle stress. I have found that when people start to neglect their devotional time with God or if it has not become a habitual endeavor in their lives they can so easily fall into depression. We all experience times where we just go into ‘n ‘depro’ and it is so hard to come out of it. I find myself that sometimes I just get up and watch movie after movie and realize at the end of the day that I have done nothing in that day. The next day I am up and going again and have a fruitful day again.