The Pit of Depression

Illustrating a Truth of The Power of Believing
and Negative Emotions

All scripture citations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.

There is a difference between oppression and depression. Both conditions represent a life under attack, a heart and mind encumbered by many negative emotions, yet there is a crucial difference. For the person letting go of hope, each new assault slides them deeper into the pit of depression. How different it is for those who refuse to let go of hope!

They can withstand the same load of problems and emotional assault without sinking into despair or depression, because they are learning how to persevere with an active faith that keeps their hope alive.  Despite the weight of troubles upon them, they are living as genuine overcomers and are actually climbing out the other side of the pit (1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 21:7)!  

Why are you cast down, O my soul, why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

So that & hellip; we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:18-19

Prayer

Forgive me Father that in the pain and darkness of depression and despair, I have been letting go of the hope that You have given me. My hope was never meant to be in me or in my circumstances; it is in You and in the reality of Your unending love and never-failing plans to give me a future and a hope. I renounce all my previous unbelief in You and Your promises of love and redemption. I repent of focusing on myself in self-pity. I choose by an act of my will to fight to hold on to every hope that Jesus shows me in Your Word.

Next Illustrated Truth

Plans A, B and C
Illustrating the plans of God that always include a fresh start from any fresh disaster.