Hope for the Depressed – Part Two – By Mike D. Whitney
(January 20, 2025)
Last week we learned how to walk through the darkness of depression without losing your way. This week, we will examine the common lies depression tells us to keep us in the dark.
Lie number 1 is this: God has abandoned you.
If you are God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for you, then Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20 that He will always be with you. Dear child of God, believe His promise and not your feelings, then act in accordance with that belief. In other words, go to church, read God’s word, pray without ceasing, and fellowship with other believers outside of the church service.
Lie number 2 is: You have sinned too much for God to forgive you. Brother or sister in Christ, you cannot out sin the grace of God. You can only refuse it. God’s hand of grace and mercy is extended to you right now. Reach out by faith and receive it. It is for YOU! John 6:37 says, “…whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” Believe God! He never lies. Satan’s demons lie – but God never!
Lie number 3: I’ll never make it. I don’t have the strength. Husband, wife, teenager, Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:13 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” It is always too soon to quit! Today, take one step of faith. Then take another tomorrow. Eventually, you will walk into the light.
Friend, identify the lies you are believing, apply the truth of God’s Word to them and watch your darkness flee. Maybe not overnight, but it must leave because Jesus said in John 8:31-32 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” Dear child of God, start believing – And Be Free!