In our ministry we have counseled several people who were once active, enthusiastic  and often volunteered in their churches. They used to be able to light up the room with their vibrant outlook on life when they were present at gatherings, but  because of life’s overwhelming problems that they have not learned how to handle, they’ve started to complain, they’ve become down and out, and they have also become  indecisive. Along with becoming indecisive these same people who were once vibrant and joyful suffer anxiety attacks and have distanced themselves from their friends and family members. You may wonder what has happened to these people, well what has happened to them is that depression’s crippling grip has claimed the lives of these vibrant people that we once knew because they have withdrawn from everything that has given them joy. They are depressed.

Depression occurs when external pressures invade your heart and weigh it down with hopelessness. It can affect all of your relationships, but depression is especially damaging to your relationship with God. When you are depressed, you place more attention on your circumstances than you do on God’s Word, God’s power and God’s ability to intervene and change things for your good and His glory, and that hinders your ability to hear clearly from Him.

To break free from depression, you must actively work at it. You can’t just put your head in the sand and ignore what you’re going through, and you can’t wish your pain away, either. Depression begins with your thoughts, so it must be defeated in your mind. First, you have to change the way you think. You must believe that God loves you and wants you to enjoy life. Then you can draw closer to God through His Word.

Has depression tried to claim you? Do you find yourself down and out and unable to find joy or happiness regarding anything in your life? Does the future for you look bleak or dark? Is it hard for you to be excited about anything anymore?  If any of this describes you, you too could be suffering from depression. If  you think that you are battling depression, the following steps can help you break free:

1. Fill your heart with the Word. You may not always be in control of your circumstances, but you can control what’s in your heart. Plant God’s Word and His promises in your heart (John 14:1; Proverbs 4:20—23). Depression can’t take root in a heart that is firmly established in the Word.
2. Speak to your problems, not about them. The more you talk about your problems, the bigger they seem. When you meditate on the Word and believe in your heart that the Word is true, you can speak positive, faith—filled words that can change your situation (Mark 11:23).
3. Ask God to supply what is missing in your life. Don’t be afraid to ask God for what you need. Take pleasure in spending time with Him, and He will give you what you desire (Psalm 37:4; John 16:24).
4. Give God praise and thanksgiving. Praise lifts feelings of depression. When you praise God and thank Him for what He has already done for you—especially when you are in the middle of a difficult situation—He will ease your burdens and reward your attitude of gratitude.