Originally published Monday, 26 October 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Have you ever been in a depressed state? Are you there now? In either case, I pray that today’s post helps shed some light in this dark place. I hope I didn’t offend you by saying “this dark place,” because that’s exactly what it is my sister. Depression is a place of despair, hopelessness, deep sadness, and heaviness. But it can be demolished, if you have the right tools to fight it!
Listen. When you find yourself in a state of depression, you can overcome it. But it will take some effort on your part. Most of the time, the battle starts raging in your mind. And it can range from a series of thoughts such as no one cares about me, things will never change, I’m never going to get out of this place, and does God see what I’m going through? If you noticed, the focus is either on you, the tough situation, or what God is NOT doing for you. And that’s when you have to renew your mind to begin climbing out this pit of despair and hopelessness.
Speak life to yourself by declaring 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This is a very powerful Scripture when activated. I would suggest memorizing it. Because what is actually declaring is that you cast down whatever figure of imagination is appearing in your mind. If it’s not according to what God’s word says, take those thoughts captive. Arrest them! And obey Christ.
So again, whenever you feel depression trying to attach itself to your life, cast it down. Speak to it and say, “I’m casting this down. I will not be depressed. I will not let this emotion take over my life. I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ!” You have more power and energy than you realize. Our enemy Satan would love for you to stay in that state, because he knows that it will paralyze you. He knows that it will make you want to blame God for what’s happening in your life. He knows that it will make you want to give up. But don’t give him the satisfaction!
Personally, I know that sometimes you can become a depressed when you feel like all hope is lost or when you’ve lost someone very close to you. I’ve been there before. I’m writing from experience. It happened when I lost my dad to stage 4 lung cancer a few years ago. After his funeral, I wanted to go into a state of depression. Did you get that? I wanted to…but my pastor’s wife saw that’s where I was headed when I began withdrawing myself from others. Immediately she suggested that I NOT go there. She encouraged me not to isolate myself and I listened. Thank God!
Do you see how fast it could happen? Another time, I literally told myself that I was going to be depressed the next day, because things just weren’t moving for me in that particular season of my life. So I was sort of getting upset with God. Yet, as soon as I thought about it as I sat in a Wednesday night discipleship service, my Pastor said, “Don’t go into a state of depression. No! Tell yourself that you will not be depressed!” Wow! God batted that down really fast! As soon as the thought came, the word of the Lord came forth boldly. And the next day, I was full of joy and was able to move on!
You DO NOT have to stay down. You can overcome depression. The Bible says in Psalm 34:17-18 “The Lord hears his people when they call him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (NLT)
So if you are in a slump, know that God is ready and willing to rescue you from it. Fight it off with the word of God. Know that He knows exactly where you are and what you’re going through. He has not forgotten or forsaken you and He loves you very much. Romans 8:39 reassures saying, “…nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Hold on my sister. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Fight off depression…because others need you to make it.
Remember Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
***Oh, and don’t forget to join me for next month’s call “Let’s Talk” on November 3rd @ 8:30pm (CST). I will be talking about, “Managing Your Anger.” We all experience anger at times, but the key is learning how to truly manage it well. SAVE THE DATE and don’t miss this life-changing LIVE call! The call # is (218) 936-3436, Code: 12345#. Talk to you soon!
Thanks for reading this post! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened. If you have any comments or questions feel free to leave it here or email me @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I’ll get back with you promptly. Don’t forget to visit my website @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org for additional growth in your faith and leave a donation if Inside Out with Courtnaye has been a blessing to you. Also, “LIKE” my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye, and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Thanks and God bless you my sister!
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