march 2012
CityLight.org 33
D
epression is a complicated state of
mental, physical, and spiritual inter-
relationships. That this is true should not
surprise us, nor should it be daunting to us.
Those of us who have a relationship with
God by faith in Jesus Christ know that the
Bible is an excellent source to help us deal
with depression.
While the old computer expression "gar-
bage in, garbage out" is a bit simplistic,
there is a good deal of truth embodied in
that expression. Fortu-
nately, "good in, good out"
is usually equally true.
Here is some "good" to put
into the system. Why not
try memorizing this...
(or even the whole chapter)?
I will extol you, my God
and King, and bless your
name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
and praise your name for-
ever and ever. Great is
the LORD, and greatly to
be praised, and his great-
ness is unsearchable. One
generation shall commend your works to
another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and
on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awe-
some deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
Psalm 145:1-6 (ESV)
There really is power in praise. There is
power in looking beyond the immediate.
There is power in focusing on the solutions
to the things that cause depression.
There are three large areas of life that re-
late to all of us even when we do not con-
sciously think about them. These three
areas, when functioning well, will help us
deal with depression. They are "nutrition,"
"hygiene,." and "healthcare," or "disease
prevention."
These three general areas are important for
our physical well-being. But even though
many do not think deeply about how these
apply in our socio-emotional and spiritual
well-being, "nutrition, hy-
giene, and healthcare" also
are vital in these areas. It
is my experience in coun-
seling, as well as in daily
interactions, that people
tend to ignore their spiri-
tual well-being the most.
This benign negligence
is dangerous because all
of us have a spiritual part
of our lives which if it is
under-nourished, dirtied,
or diseased, will bring on
many ills, not the least of
which is depression.
Please notice one verse
rendered with slightly different emphasis
(Proverbs 17:22)
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed
spirit dries up the bones. A cheerful heart is
good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a per-
son's strength.
May you have happy days by defeating de-
pression with the power of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
d
ealing
w
ith
d
epRession
d
ealing
w
ith
d
epRession
J
ed
n. s
nydeR
, d. m
in
.
Founder/President
Jesus Every Day Ministries, Inc. | www.jedministries.com