The problem of depression and anxiety has become very widespread in the modern world. This brings about feelings of utmost sadness, fear and hopelessness to many people including the young and the old. Individuals who experience such emotions sometimes feel that they are the only ones experiencing it yet the reality is that, everyone is experiencing it in one way another.
The MCGI subject, Depression and Anxiety -How to Overcome These Biblically (Part 3), made me realize that there is actual hope and peace in the Word of God. It has taught me that we can be as heavy burdened as we want to be, but the bible provides us with the practical and spiritual means of overcoming our burdens.
Among the most significant issues I got during this teaching is that before God we have to admit what we feel. Most of the time, people suppress their feelings or act like everything is alright but the healing begins when we come out clean and honest with God. According to the Bible; Psalm 34:18, the Lord is close to the people who are near to a broken heart and saves those who are near to a contrite heart.
This verse makes us remember that God knows that we are in pain and wants to console us. We bring God to our scenario when we pray earnestly and explain to Him how we feel. I have also had the personal experience that when I am down, so to speak, talking to God while praying makes my heart calm even though my trouble is yet to be resolved.
The other important message that the teaching passed is that one should have faith in God fully even when life is confusing. Fear of the unknown or trying to do everything alone can both be causes of anxiety. But Philippians 4:6-7 says so take care of nothing; but in all things by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known unto God.
And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In this scripture we can clearly see that the remedy to anxiety is the prayer. When we submit our concerns to God and pray to Him that He is faithful, He will be in our place giving us peace that the world cannot.
Another lesson taught in the MCGI was that we need to renew our minds with the Word of God. Depression usually starts in the brain where pessimistic thoughts develop and result in hopelessness. But Romans 12:2 says, Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Our daily bible reading teaches us to saturate our minds with the truth rather than with lies.
When we reflect on the promises of God we begin to feel that nothing is forever and that whatever God has in store about us is always well. Personally, I have got my boost by reading verses such as Jeremiah 29: 11, which says, I know the thoughts that I think of thee, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.
The other potent biblical means of overcoming depression and anxiety is through fellowship and encouragement by fellow people. The bible does not desire that we confront our plight on our own. Galatians 6: 2 states, Bear ye one another burdens, and fulfill ye the law of Christ. This implies that we ought to discuss our difficulties with other trusted brothers, pastors, or close friends who can pray together with us and make us aware of the love of God.
Isolating themselves often leads to their problems enlarging in their minds since many times people do it when times are tough. However, once we associate with others, particularly in the church, we get to understand that there are people out there who care and who can support us by praying and giving us godly advice.
Another important issue in the MCGI was to glorify and give praise to God in all circumstances. This might sound weird to a depressed person though this is one of the most effective weapons to depression. According to the bible 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it is mentioned, in all things thanksgiving: because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you.
When we are thankful we are able to take our attention out of our anguish and onto the goodness of God. By glorifying God, we remember that He is greater than the problems that we encounter. I have also learned that singing hymn or listening to the worship songs can strengthen the soul and push away dark thoughts.
The other lesson learned was that we have to protect our hearts and that we should not be fed with sadness or fear. It is normal that nowadays many spend hours watching bad news, social media comparisons, or reading ungodly material which influences their peace of mind. Another verse in the Bible that recommends it is Philippians 4:8, which states, Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure... think on these things. The way we feel depends on what we feed our minds. When we think about things that are good and Godly, we save our minds and souls.
Conclusively, the strategy of fighting depression and anxiety in a biblical way is not based on acting as though everything is fine, but it is based on learning to trust the power of God instead of our power. We shall have to seek God earnestly, have a strong faith, renew our minds with the Word of God, fellowship with believers and maintain a thankful heart. The Bible offers a hope that God is still there even in our darkest time.
According to Isaiah 41:10, fear not, I am with them, be not dismayed, I am thy God: I will fortify thee, yea, and I will help thee. This alone makes me have the courage to overcome the challenges of life with faith rather than fear. Depression and anxiety might attempt to pull us down, but we have an assurance of victory as long as we have the Word of God to guide us.
To overcome depression and anxiety, it is very important to be a crying shoulder for someone without judging and criticizing them. Also putting and seeking God firsts lessen the burden or struggles we have in life.
Trust in God and pray about it
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