“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;” (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).
While it is not uncommon for people facing difficulty to get depressed, it is a problem when depression lingers. The good news is that, with God’s help, depression can be defeated. There are three basic things that can be done according to God’s Word.
1. STOP LOOKING DOWNWARD AND START LOOKING UPWARD.
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance” (Psalm 42:5).
Discouragement is one of the great hindrances to the Christian life. The more we look down the more depressed we become; and the more depressed we become the more we look down. Concentrating on your difficulties will defeat you and depress you every time! Look up in faith to the Lord and trust in Him. As the old song goes, “He is able to deliver thee…”
2. STOP LOOKING INWARD AND START LOOKING OUTWARD.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).
When we focus only on ourselves and become self-centered, we begin to feel unimportant, unloved, and unwanted. Instead of focusing on yourself, look at how you can serve and be a blessing to others, seeking the good of others, and not concerned with yourself. Lose yourself in service to others.
3. STOP LOOKING BACKWARD AND START LOOKING FORWARD.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13).
The past is behind us, and difficulties should give us more determination. God will give the victory in His own time and in His own way. Start looking forward, realizing that little is much when God is in it, whether it be a smile, a kind word, a prayer, or even a cup of cold water in His name. Look forward with anticipation and hope because, for the Christian, the best is yet to come!