Depression Is Not My Decision

There is a catchy commercial on television that even my children know. As soon as it comes on we are saying the words along with the spokesman. You may know it also.

"Where does depression hurt? Everywhere! Who does depression hurt? Everyone!"

Depression is running rampant throughout the world. It doesn't help that everything around us is struggling and giving us no hope. The economy is tainted. Violence continues to be on the rise. Diseases are popping up everywhere. Where is the hope in that? No wonder a mass amount of people are on anti-depressants.

The commercial is so true. Depression acts like the common cold, in the fact that when people are around someone struggling with depression it becomes contagious. It is difficult to find joy amongst sorrow. Does this mean we avoid people who struggle with depression? No! We are to love and embrace those who struggle. Forget not where you came from.

I, too, have struggled with depression for many years. It is a daily battle; one of which I am winning. I desire joy. I have hope even when the world isn't giving me any. I have learned to praise God no matter how I feel. I will not be controlled by my emotions. I demand they line up with God's Word. God's Word is full of hope. It offers a bright future, an eternal happiness.

Psalm 42:5-6 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

As David did, sometimes we need to tell ourselves how to act. We need to remind our emotions who is in control. I remember the first time I was told that I did not have to be controlled by my emotions. It was liberating. For years I had assumed that if I woke up and felt depressed then that was how my day was going to be. If I felt angry then by all means I was going to be angry. If I saw no hope in the day then life was really hopeless.

To all this I say, "Stop!" Now I am at a crossroads. I could either follow my emotions or crucify my flesh and allow God's Spirit to take control in me. Do I choose to live by my emotions or do I choose to live by the Spirit? That is the question we all must ask ourselves.

Emotions can deceive us. You might say "But God gave us emotions. Therefore they can't be bad." God also gave us a tongue and hands. How many times have those body parts gotten us into trouble. We have said harsh words. We have used our hands for evil and not good at times. We must be alert at all times. We must remind our bodies to live by the Spirit, to obey God's Word.

There is hope in God. There is a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is reachable. God is waiting to give it upon your request. Once you take it, remind yourself who is in control. Then look yourself in the mirror and say "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." God Bless~