The Despair of Depression
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, ‘For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.’) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35–39 NLT)
THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
You are a failure at everything you try to do. When you try to make friends, you never succeed. No one wants a loser like you for a friend. People avoid you like the plague. Even your own family can’t stand you. Come to think of it, the world would be a better place if you weren’t in it. Why don’t you just go ahead and end it all now?
Have you ever struggled with thoughts like these? Such accusations can flow from the despair of depression.
CONSIDER THIS . . .
Accusing thoughts like these attack most depressed people night and day and clearly have an element of spiritual warfare. They can be not only disheartening but also dangerous.
When we listen to accusations like these, we begin to feel they are true. It is so important that we look at ourselves in the light of the truth of the Bible, not our feelings. Our enemy, the devil, lies to us and accuses us falsely in his efforts to destroy us. We must remember that such accusations contradict what God says.
We are special to God. He created each of us unique and has a special plan for our life. Nothing can separate us from his unconditional love. We make mistakes but he still loves us. He still has a job for us to do. He created us for a purpose!
When Satan attacks us with his accusing lies, we need to turn to God’s Word. Only there will we find the truth.
PRAYER
Father, help me recognize these horrible feelings and accusations as the lies they are. Help me see myself through the light of your Word. Help me remember that you love me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name . . .
THESE THOUGHTS WERE DRAWN FROM . . .
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D.
This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
• Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
• Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
• Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer, and mutual support
• Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
• Bible-based coping skills
• How to pray for healing and what to expect
• Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to [email protected].
