Daily Devotionals by Ardith Keef

     Depression is a curious thing, and it is arrogant to lay down the rule that says it is the result of one particular cause.
     Much of Christian psychology has approached depression in Christians through the flesh, and all that does is strengthen the flesh.
     I have seen a pattern, though. I have never seen a believer suffering from depression while bending over to feed the hungry or stretching to cloth the naked.
What's more, a life of non-sacrifice will fuel a smoldering blaze of self-examination that brings a hopeless picture.
     I have seen Christians almost destroy a sister or brother by declaring a pat little diagnosis of the problem, but the fact is, only the Lord knows the source of the oppression. While it is often self-imposed, it can be chemical and or it can be from a cause we may not even know about.
     The battle is in the mind - that is for sure. And the mind needs to be occupied with the Lord and the work of the Lord. If that is not the case, the depression is like a fire that will consume time unto itself.
     What does the Bible say?
     All the direct statements in the Bible address the governing of the body - you have reason to rise up and shake off your depressed state, for you have a Lord (Isaiah).
And then there is the verse about the palsied hands and slackened knees. (Hebrews)
     These are physical things. The Bible says, "Raise your eyes unto the hills" (from whence cometh your help). (Psalms)
     The Bible says "Take up your cross, daily, and follow me. . ." and while there are many dimensions to all these biblical leadings, the first action is always physical.
     Depression wants to cement the believer to one spot and glue his attention to negative illusions.
     Govern your body.
     It may not feel like it, but you can sing. You can read. You can move. You can pray. And you can serve the Lord.

     Read this prayer to him aloud:
       Lord Jesus, I have am more than discouraged, and feel like I can't do anything.
I know the Bible says I already have the victory, and today, I am moving forward on your Word instead of how I really feel.
     Help me Lord - I am reaching out my hand to be taken, and lifted up.
     If you told me to move, you provided the power. So I submit to my Lord and Master, and in obedience to Romans12, I dedicate my body and all my faculties as a living sacrifice - one day at a time.