By: Juliet Constantine
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. (Prov. 12:25 NKJV)
It is estimated that a whopping 19 million American adults are living with major depression. According to wikipedia.org “Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. Depressed people can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, hurt, or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt, or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains, or digestive problems may also be present.”
“Depressed mood is not always a psychiatric disorder. It may also be a normal reaction to certain life events, a symptom of some medical conditions, or a side effect of some drugs or medical treatments. Depressed mood is also a primary or associated feature of certain psychiatric syndromes such as clinical depression.”
Whatever the disorder or reaction that causes depression, it is real. King Solomon diagnosed that the underlying cause for depression is anxiety in the heart. He also prescribed the most effective medication for the treatment and reversal of this pandemic problem. The wisest man said to treat and reverse depression, we need to make the heart glad; and this is easily achievable by speaking ‘a good word’. An encouraging word is a positive shot in the right direction. Positive thinking reduces stress levels as the sunshine of optimism takes over. The heart becomes more cheerful and strengthened as it basks in the radiance of optimism; and every fiber of the body wants to get up and try again.
King David had experienced several depressing incidents; especially one that left him crying until he was tired – it’s recorded in 1 Samuel 30. David and his men returned to Ziklag only to find their homes burnt to the ground and all their people and livestock taken captive by the Amalekites. They cried until they were weary; there were no more tears left to cry. David then pulled himself together and sought and received God’s approval to pursue the Amalekites. They recovered all they lost and got so much spoil to share with all the cities he visited. What made the difference? The encouraging word he got from God. David seemed to have known the secret taught by Jesus – ‘do not be anxious about anything. Instead, through prayer and supplication we are to let our request be made known unto God.’ He put his request to God and got the answer he desired.
We can too. We can beat depression by truly praying and not worrying. And it is equally true, “a cheerful heart doeth good like medicine.” But just in case you are overtaken by this pandemic, seek the Lord in prayer and speak encouraging word over your life. Stop and evaluate the words leaving your lips – are they negative or positive? If you think you will fail, you’ve already failed. Instead, keep optimistic and encourage yourself. There is death and life in the tongue. Speak life, hope and prosperity in-spite-of all the gloom that may surround you. Claim God’s promise of strength so that you can accomplish His purpose for your life.
Just remember, whatever you do, keep your heart cheerful and speak words that will make your heart glad. Depression is treatable and reversible. Encourage yourself.
Thank you Father God for Your encouraging word today. Please help me to speak words that will cheer my heart and the heart of others I pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
