Perplexity! Stress! Fear! Worry! Hopelessness! Despair! Discouragement! Defeat! These
negative forces permeate our society. But in the midst of these negative forces, believers
do not have to become victims of depression!
Regardless of the things which are coming upon this earth, regardless of the trials,
circumstances, and attacks of Satan upon your mind, you do not have to become
depressed like the people of the world who are living in spiritual darkness.
You must recognize depression for what it is–a major strategy of Satan. Satan is using
depression in an attempt to stop the progress believers are making in pushing back the
forces of darkness in the nations of the world. We are not talking about depression that
results from a physical condition–such as a lack of serotonin. We are talking about an
all-out attack of spiritual and emotional depression that is rampant in the Body of Christ.
There are multiplied thousands of Christians today who have failed to recognize
depression as an attack of Satan. They do not know how to fight and win the war over
depression and they are being spiritually immobilized on the sidelines.
Many Christians consider depression a natural reaction when they face difficult trials or
attacks of the enemy, such as long-term sickness, marital problems, death of a loved one,
loss of a job, or extreme financial difficulties. But the Bible says that believers are to be
joyful in the midst of trials, giving thanks in every situation–not depressed.
There are some Christian ministers and leaders who are experiencing “spiritual burnout.”
They have been carrying such a heavy workload, pushing themselves twelve to fourteen
hours a day, seven days a week, giving themselves unselfishly in meeting the needs of
others. In so doing, they have failed to spend time in God’s presence being strengthened
and refreshed by His Spirit. They have been so involved in doing the work of the ministry
that they have failed to take time with the Lord to be renewed in their minds. Hence, they
become tired, discouraged, and depressed. “…depression crushes courage, And leaves
you unable to cope” (Proverbs 18:14, TPT).
Depression is a major tool of the enemy–but you do not have to succumb to it. God has
promised you a one-hundred percent victorious mind through the power of the Holy
Spirit. Take authority over depression today! Do not allow it to operate in your life,
today or any day. The minute a depressing thought comes, begin to praise and worship
the Lord and it will flee.