Stepping Stones: The Depression Epidemic

Transformational Thought

25% of the US population…75 million people…will suffer from clinical depression in their lifetime. Most people suffering from chronic depression feel so utterly unlovable, that they cannot bear the pain of even trying to experience love in a relationship with God, with self, or with others. They feel like a failure and think that anyone who disagrees with that assessment just doesn't understand. Even if you are not suffering from chronic depression, you may experience feelings like this from time to time…almost every person does.

If you are feeling this way, think about this good news: God knows you better than you know yourself, and He still loves you. He knows you are not perfect, but He loves you anyway…unconditionally. He loves you so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins because He wanted to provide a way for you to be with Him…for eternity…no matter how sinful or worthless you think you are.

God loves you so much, He has promised never to leave you. The Bible tells us that He is full of compassion for you…takes pleasure in you...loves you and gives you honor…You are precious in his sight. He promises He will love you forever.

If you suffer from depression, seek professional help. Often, medications, even though they don’t cure depression, are incredibly helpful for the symptoms of depression. This will allow you to work on some of the underlying elements that are fueling your depression.

If you aren’t depressed, then work on developing a solid spiritual and psychological foundation of understanding who God is, who you are, and how to be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. This will renew your mind, the actual biology of your brain chemistry, and be the most preventative strategy for warding off depression and other mental health struggles.

Today, help yourself by reading the short bible passages below. Let His message sink deeply into you. The Bible says Jesus loves you so much that He seeks after you. You are never alone. Right this very moment you may feel alone, but you are not. Jesus is there with you, seeking to help you. Say yes. Yes to his love. Yes to his help. Yes to Jesus. The Holy Bible is true. You can believe it. He is the Word and the great healer, so His word does heal.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for loving me no matter what. Thank You for promising to be with me…always…and for honoring that promise, even though I don’t sense it sometimes. Help my radar tune in strongly to know You are always there. Thank You for showing me reminders each day of Your presence, and help me not to overlook them. When I start to feel alone, help me rely on Your instruction book and not my own. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the one who bled every drop of His blood for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'
Hebrews 13:5-6

The LORD is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love.
Psalm 145:8

For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
Psalm 149:4

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.
Isaiah 43:4

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3