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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.
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