Sharon Harris is wife, mother, English teacher, amateur photographer, and gardener.

God, please rescue me from this depression!

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Question:  Can God help me with my depression? Does the Bible say anything about this?

Answer:  The Bible mentions depression in numerous passages, always reassuring us that God can accomplish anything and heals anyone who asks, even unbelievers.  God included in the scriptural records the accounts of people who suffered from depression so that we could see how He transformed their lives through His unlimited power.  Like them, we can ask him to heal our past hurts and teach us to cope effectively with paralyzing emotions.

God has given us His prescriptions for steps we can also take during sad or stressful times.  It helps tremendously to remember His faithfulness and His readiness to heal us:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all of His benefits, who forgives all of your sins, heals all of your diseases, redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.   Psalm 103: 1-5

There are many reasons for depression, some beyond our control – heredity, a death in the family, divorce, illness, drug use, mistreatment from others, low self-esteem, financial problems, or guilt.  Sometimes, you may not be able to connect the depression to an event in your life.  In other instances, the sadness you feel could be a result of your own wrong choices.  If the latter happens to be the case, you can still receive healing from Him. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins and are ready to turn your life toward obeying Him.  God stands ready at all times to forgive you and to begin restoring you to mental and physical health as soon as you ask, no matter what the source of your depression is:

There is no soundness in my body because of your anger with me, O God; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. I’m in over my head in hardships, and they’re just too much for me to work my way out…I’m bent over and greatly bowed down; I mourn all the day long…I am exhausted and crushed; I groan because of the turmoil in my heart.  Psalm 38:3-8

Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins and teach them how to have joy, even in painful circumstances.  If you are ready to begin His healing process, pray:

 Jesus, please forgive me of any sins and heal my life.  My mind is open to your direction, and I am ready to understand what I must do to leave the past behind me and to begin to live in joy and peace with you.  Amen.

He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty for the captives…to comfort all who mourn…to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the clothing of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness…  Isaiah 61:1-3

Trust God and talk to Him daily about what He would have you to focus on rather than your feelings of hopelessness or sadness.  If you watch or listen to the news, it’s very easy to feel depressed from the reports of tragedies.  Christians have to live in the world, where terrible things are happening.  You can shift your focus from what is bad to what is good, and there’s plenty of good when you look for it.  Post these encouraging words from the Apostle Paul whenever you feel weighted down by the cares of the world:

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:8

Ask God to direct you to Christian friends and family who will support you during your times of need.  He responds as soon as you ask.  So ask Him now!

Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart…  Isaiah 7:4

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