Depression ?

    Even Christians can fall into “depression,” Though there is no need for it.  The Christian has the power of God, of His Holy Spirit to overcome. Better yet, if we do not give in to the temptation of self-pity we can more easily overcome the sin.  Self-pity is the precursor to depression.  For the Christian, depression is the failure to maintain God’s joy.

     Depression is the quelling of joy that should permeate our being. By succumbing to the temptations to think upon our troubles we give presence to self pity. Self pity is the beginning of depression. "Woe is me, woe is me." Depression is the pit with self pity and lack of joy being the demons that will drag you into the abyss of depression.

     Self-pity and depression are sins. We sin by dwelling upon our troubles. Worrying about that which we have no control, will accomplish nothing. We sin by worrying and not trusting God. We sin when we do not avail ourselves of the joy God has so graciously given.  Self-pity is selfishness.  We must first resist the temptation of self-pity which pulls into depression. Once we have sinned we must go before God for forgiveness and the power to overcome.

     Overcoming depression or any sin is not necessarily the eradication of it.  Overcoming is the availing of God’s grace to overcome the temptation to dwell on that which troubles you. Temptation is the testing of our spirits the resisting of falling into sin strengthens our relationship with Jesus Christ. Sin is our failure to obey God. We must dwell in the Joy God gives and cling to Jesus resisting temptation.

As Christians we must resist all temptations and learn to recognize those that our brothers and sisters may be struggling with.  I remember when I succumbed to depression.  I had thoughts that were uncharacteristic and surprised me when they arose.  I found myself calmly calculating a jump from a window.  It was the thought, not the jump that scared me.  I mentioned to a couple of brothers the unusual thoughts, and thinking back it was plea for help.  The comments went by without notice. Eventually I entered counseling with my pastor.  I no longer have such thoughts as I resist the precursors, the temptations to meditate on the troubles.  I meditate on God's word and am elevated when on His joy I place my sorrows.

     Christ suffered the temptation of self-pity yet did not succumb.  Jesus had the power as God to overcome and avail to us that same power when on Him we trust.

 -  Roger W Hancock

--- copyright - ©September 21, 2007 - Roger W Hancock - PoetPatriot.com

. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .          . ... _/^\_ . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .. . . .     . . . . ...-O-O- . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
**************o00o~~(_)~~o00o*****************