In fighting depression and despair, it’s my opinion, based on personal experiences with both, that the enemy of our soul tries to blanket us in dark thoughts. He tries to convince us there is NO hope, but this is a lie! Jesus is life and truth, but every word from the devil’s mouth is a lie. Regarding disparaging thoughts, here are the primary ones I deal with, personally, along with Bible verses to combat them, but please feel free to add to this list in the comments below:
- “I’m a loser.” I have struggled with comparing myself to others since I was a depressed teen, looking at how much thinner, more popular and better looking some were. I’ve also written at length in my blog about self-loathing. The devil wants us to feel like a loser, because he himself knows we are royalty, literal Children of the King. Bible verse: “And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into the bosom of His family, and calling to Him, ‘Father, Father.'” (Romans 8:15). So why did I not specifically give a Bible verse about not being a loser? Because concentrating on our royal, godly heritage will help combat these feelings.
- “I’ve achieved nothing with my life.” Ah, this one is a KILLER for me. When compared to where I thought I’d be at this age, I’m a loser and a failure. Thankfully, we find rest and relief when we avert our eyes from our self-created thoughts of failure, and keep our eyes on Christ. Bible verse: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
- “I’m being swallowed up by my ISSUES.” I say “issues” because this is different for everyone. For me, it’s constant/chronic pain and depression. My pain is like a prison; one which there is seemingly no escape. Our issues can drive us to madness, despair and self-annihilation if we let them! So it’s vital we remember this life is just temporary. We struggle now, but in a hundred years we’re not going to even remember the struggle. That’s right, it can’t last forever. Jesus allowed Himself to be tortured and murdered, rising from the dead on the third day, specifically so He could spend eternity with us. That’s how much He loves us! Bible verses: “These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever” (2 Corinthians 4:17)! “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later” (Romans 8:18).
- “I see no end to my misery.” This is one of the biggest problems for many, it seems. We’re trapped in our own muck, and feel like it will last forever, but the sun will break through the clouds. We WILL see the light of day again, I promise! God sees the beginning, middle and end of our days, and is trying to get it through our thick skulls that all this is just temporary. Bible verse: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
The absolute most effective weapon in the war against despair is the Word of God. We must seek the Lord while He may be found; our very souls depend on it. So don’t despair! We are MORE than conquerors through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37).
Keep going, and in the name of Jesus, never, ever, ever quit. Remember, even the Son of God asked His Father to get Him out of His current situation, right before He went to the cross. Just as the Lord told the Apostle Paul when he asked for relief from his troubles, however, God promises His grace and strength are enough to get you through (2 Corinthians 12:9).
You will NOT be defeated! So keep your eyes on Jesus, our only hope and salvation.
Blessings.
Broken People 