Reasons and Remedies

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18)

Yesterday we talked about Elijah and how he models the first step you can take in overcoming your depression, which is admitting the reality of your depression. Today, we’re going to look at two more crucial steps.

The second step you must take is to access the reason for your depression. It is not always possible to pinpoint one thing or another that may be depressing you, but sometimes there are obvious reasons why you are depressed. You need to stop and consider your situation. Depression can be caused by something physical, something emotional, or something spiritual.

That last cause is something we don’t need to overlook. One thing is sure – God does not want you depressed but there are other spiritual forces at work that do. I believe in a literal devil, and I believe Satan wants you depressed. He is the ultimate joy-killer, and he is going to do everything in his power to get you depressed. So take the time once you’ve admitted you’re depressed to figure out what is causing your depression so you can get to the heart of the issue and apply the third step we learn from Elijah.

Finally, the third step you can take is to apply the remedy to your depression. There is nothing wrong with getting depressed or being depressed, but one should always seek ways to keep from staying depressed. There are indications that every person in the Bible that was depressed who successfully managed their depression overcame it. There are three steps that you can take when you are dealing with depression. Hear me clearly. You may still need professional help and you may still need medical help. These are steps you can take on your own that can help a lot of people who are depressed.

First, you need to physically recharge. Second, you need to spiritually refresh. And finally, you need to emotionally re-engage. These steps will take time, and they won’t be easy. But they are great steps to take that we learn from the life of Elijah in overcoming the depression we’re facing.

Dear Jesus, You are my source of encouragement. Please help me to remember this when I feel depressed and discouraged. Help me to rely on Your strength and remember Your teaching each day and be refreshed in Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.