I used to feel paralyzed in my days of depression.
I perceived this condition to be something that I had been dealt, and not something that I could actually fight against and resist. The following 4 weapons for depression have strengthened and protected me from returning to the unbearable depths I used to frequent.
The reels of my mind were wound up tightly, constantly replaying real (and imagined) hurt, discontentment, shock, regret, and a LOAD of other things. I had no rest, and lived in constant fear with all guards up.
With time, I couldn’t pray or praise if I wanted to. I was imprisoned and being in that dark place of depression became my comfort and coping mechanism. I was so weakened that I couldn’t fight effectively. What I have learned is that the spirit of heaviness (Depression) hates praise and outward focusing. Depression thrives on isolation and self-pity (which is totally inward focused). It loves to be magnified so it is the ONLY thing you think of, focus on, and feel (hence the description “heaviness”).
Like venom, ongoing deep depression slowly paralyzes and incapacitates you until it births emotional, spiritual, and even physical death.
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Does using these 4 weapons for depression somehow mean no more valleys? No. What it does mean however, is a shift in the pursuit. We no longer focus on simply a life with no trials or circumstances that lead to depression. We understand and accept that there will be troubled times:
Our pursuit shifts to “taking courage”. The more you practice using a weapon, the better you become at it. Valleys don’t go away, but you begin to navigate them differently and your focus is properly placed on the One who has conquered and crushed depression – Jesus Christ.
With any weapon, you have to choose to pick it up and use it. After being set free from several spiritual strongholds, I became empowered to choose to fight and to pick up the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) against the attack of depression. This sword (the Word) contains all 4 weapons for depression (and even more).
The following 4 weapons for depression are biblical based, practical, and incredibly effective when you understand their value spiritually, and choose to use them:
1. Praise – Choosing to take the mind off of self, and all that is bad, and praising God that He is still good and still God.
“…In Your presence is fullness of joy….” Psalm 16:11 and “…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness….” Isaiah 61:3
2. Gratefulness – Zooming in on all that there is to be thankful for.
3. Contentment – The absence of obsession over what “isn’t” and choosing to be satisfied with that “is”.
“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Phil 4:12-13
4. Release – Making a conscious effort to stop fretting over what cannot be changed.
“Cast all your anxiety on on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27
When you feel the fiery dart of heaviness coming on, remember to pick up these 4 weapons for depression and fight your way through!
Until next time,
Hannah
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As someone who also battles depression, I just love everything about this. Especially how you point out that there will still be valleys but it’s all about the shifting and using the weapons God gives us to fight our way out of it. I just know this will bless others who are quietly struggling in the same way ❤️
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You’re absolutely right! By God’s grace, He has delivered me from this – and it was something that hovered over me for years. When I feel myself in smaller valleys now, I try my best to remind myself to take my eyes off of anything pertaining to me (my sadness, circumstance, pain, etc.) and give Him glory because He is still God. I also challenge my spiritual muscles to be strengthened by picking up my weapons and fighting, even if it is only a little. Continued strength to you!
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These are all fantastic tips for those days that are hard or during seasons of depression. Thank you for sharing!
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My pleasure Colleen, remain encouraged!
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