"The State of Depression"

We hear little teaching on depression. What many have believed is what the medical world tells us and that's as far as it goes. There can be some health issues that can bring on depression but depression for the most part is caused by something we might not even be aware and God addresses it for us.

I am very sensitive to those who have bouts with depression, so please understand that. I am addressing a generality. Depression is defined as a state of sadness, a decrease in functional activity. In other words, it makes one where they do not want to do anything and when they do, it is a struggle. With-drawing from people is one of the sure signs.

Depression is a response! It is a reaction to something. Over the years I have dealt with many who have been depressed and they have a don't care attitude because they have been beaten down. One real legitimate cause of depression could be the loss of a loved one. How we react to a loss is what determines the outcome in our lives.

Here is the help to keep on from going into depression. We need to be working on the spiritual side of things. Too many are building their lives around the physical, the externals and when things don't go the way they want or they lose what they have put their heart into, it crushes the spirit and it takes one into depression. Hopes are built so high on the wrong things, when they are taken away or don't work out, we react to that failure or loss! The most prevalent cause of depression is caused by being overly self-centered, wanting what we want. When this happens, there is almost nothing that can be done to help them out because their heart is set on getting something or doing something and when they can't attain to it, it creates depression. Depression is a reaction. I have known men over the years that were very athletic and as they aged, they no longer can do what they once did. It was the most important part of their life and they react taking them into depression.

How do we solve this? How do we keep this from happening? We need to learn how to react properly to things and have some understanding to what God is looking for so we can deal with situations in our lives properly. We need to be feeding our spiritual well being more and our physical well being less.

James 1:2 speaks to "consider it all joy when, my brethren when you encounter various trials." Will we have various difficulties come into our lives? Are there going to be disappointments and big problems? "Consider" is a mind set! Within your being, your mind must make a proper reaction to the difficulty or disappointment you face. That starts within your heart. To approach the trial with a proper state of mind is most powerful. Again, reacting properly to something is what the Lord needs us to do. Set your mind NOW to deal with it properly. When it comes, we can "consider it all joy." We must be dealing with our spiritual lives!

How did those first century brethren find strength and keep a proper perspective of life when they were thrown into prison for no reason or had to live in caves just to escape for their lives because they believed in the Lord (Heb. 11)? How did they deal with loved one being murdered for the name of Christ? We face none of those things today and yet understand so little how to cope with life's difficulties. Learning to have the proper mind set is the secret. It's called a sincere faith. More tomorrow!