Depress

Depress = to press down; to cause to sink to a lower position.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word “depress” is the emotional state of depression.  I believe that most of us, if we are honest, have struggled with this at some point in our lives.  I know from experience that this is one of satan’s greatest weapons in his arsenal.  If we allow it, he will hold us down and keep us from moving forward 

in our relationship with God and with other people.

“Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, hurt, or restless.”  Wikipedia.com

If this is you, and any of these things are keeping you down, remember God’s word gives us everything we need to combat each and every one of these fiery darts.    

If you are anxious, you can have peace. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Phil 4:6-7  NIV

If you are empty, you can be filled.

 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.   And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 Eph 3:16-19 NIV

If you are hopeless, you can become hopeful.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may 

overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

 Romans 15:13 NIV

If you are worried, you can find confidence 

and assurance.

"Such confidence we have through Christ before God.  Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."

 2 Cor 3:4-5 NIV

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matt 6:31-34 NIV

 

If you feel helpless, you can feel powerful.

 "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." 

Romans 8:11 NLT

If you feel worthless, you can feel valuable.

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

  Matt 10:31 NIV

If you feel guilty, you can be cleansed. 

 "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;  as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  

Psalm 103:11-12 NIV

If you are irritable, you can find patience.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

 Gal 5:22-23 NLT

If you have been hurt, you can be healed.

"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

If you are restless, you can be still. 

"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14 NIV

 He says, "Be still, and know that I am God.” 

 Psalm 46:10 NIV