Depression Is Real! How Do You Respond To It?
Satan desires to mess with people’s spirit, soul (mind), and body.
Depression is one of the key arrows he shoots at the soul. And whatever impacts the soul will ultimately react upon and affect both the spirit and the body.
Therefore, the worst response to depression is to isolate yourself. Seclusion will not help you—and seclusion is exactly what the enemy wants. It is isolation that leads people into paranoia, despair, and ultimately thoughts of self-destruction.
Instead of hiding, you should share what you are going through—especially with people who have the wisdom, spiritual maturity, and capacity to help you.
“Depression comes by what you hear and meditate on. Depression also leaves by what you hear and meditate on.”
Look at Elijah in 1 Kings 19:
- He heard threats from Jezebel.
- He meditated on those threats.
- He became anxious and overwhelmed.
What was his immediate response? Seclusion.
He ran away into the wilderness, isolated himself, and asked God to take his life. He didn’t just carry a passive death wish; he actively prayed to die. This is the exact trap many fall into when they feel overwhelmed and isolated—thinking that giving up or ending it all is the only way out.
Elijah thought he was completely alone with no one to talk to, so he withdrew even further from civilization. But notice how God intervened: God’s revelation and instruction completely dismantled Elijah’s depression!
- Elijah thought he was alone: God revealed that He had seven thousand faithful believers in reserve.
- Elijah thought Jezebel was invincible: God gave him the name of the man who would overthrow Jezebel’s house (Jehu) and instructed Elijah to go anoint him.
- Elijah thought his life and assignment were over: God showed him a future and gave him a fresh directive.
That divine intervention lifted the heavy cloud of depression. Depression leaves when your thoughts, perspective, and what you meditate on are transformed by truth.
God may not speak to you through a still, small voice as He did with Elijah; He might speak to you through the Scriptures, or He might speak through godly people. That is why you must not isolate yourself or hide your struggle from those positioned to help you.
Remember this principle:
“Depression comes by what you hear and meditate on. Depression also leaves by what you hear and meditate on.”
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)
Your “good word” will not come if you lock yourself away in seclusion (which is Satan’s trap). Your good word comes when you reach out, connect, and seek counsel (which is the Holy Spirit’s guidance).
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Mercy and Truth to you.
