It is World Mental health week and I am reminded of the supernatural help I received during a difficult period of depression in my life. Although I have no recollection of the moment when life went spiralling downward, I remember some of the symptoms I suffered. Constant crying, mood swings, being irritable and just feeling deeply saddened with life. I was ready to defend myself when criticized, feeling condemned or judged by anybody.
Every day was a struggle and I felt the closest people to me were not emotionally available to help me deal with difficult situations. The only thing that helped me was the Bible. I managed to read it every day, cover to cover. Even though I didn’t understand a lot of it, I called on the same God who gave many people victory in the Bible. I made several biblical declarations over myself to recover my mindset, using scriptures such as “for God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Depression is not part of God’s plan for your life. It is a ploy of the enemy to attack you in order disrupt your relationship with God. The enemy knows that God’s heart for his children is not for them to suffer, but to give you hope, goodwill and an expected end, as expressed in the scriptures below
‘But he will not stop for you to enjoy God’s good plan for you so he steals from you, kills and destroys’ (Jeremiah 29:11).
‘However, the enemy does not have power over the word of God so you need to fight back with the word of God’. (John 10:10).
When life’s many battles overwhelm you, reach for the word of God and speak it over yourself. Some of the challenges we face are too great to face alone. The word of God is there to lean on, encourage and help us speak it over them. If we do this on a daily basis our mind is renewed and your life will be completely transformed. Do not withdraw yourself from the right set of people and do not keep things to yourself. Find the right person or sets of people to talk to about your situation.
Do not overanalyse situations and circumstances. Find a professional counselor who you can trust and rely on to talk things through with you. Find the strength in Christ for your survival. Make a decision to align your thoughts with God’s thoughts and speak His word over yourself. Allow for God’s supernatural healing and deliverance to take place in your life.
Speak the word of God and Change Your World
Day 1
I declare that as Christ is in me so are my thoughts in his thoughts. These days, my thoughts are aligned with the thoughts of Christ. I think on things that are true, things that are noble, things that are right, pure, lovely, admirable and on things that are excellent or praiseworthy.
Day 2
I declare that the cloud of depression is shifting away from me. I am a child of light and God is light, darkness cannot overcome me because I belong to him. Very soon it will be morning and my light will shine brighter. Anxieties will be cast away and peace will be restored. Hopelessness will soon disappear and hope will return. My future will shine brighter and my mourning will he turn into dancing. I am no longer going to dwell in sadness because my garment has been changed, I am now clothed with gladness (Psalm 30:11).
Day 3
I declare that I will no longer be afraid what mere mortal can do to me and I will not be dismayed for the Lord God is with me like a mighty warrior, comforting me in times of pain, calming my fears and restoring hope to me (Deut 31:8).
Day 4
The Lord is my shield, my glory and the lifter up of mine head. He fights my battles and I do not need to lift a finger. He delivers me from the hands of my enemies who are too powerful for me and He lifts my head up like that of a unicorn. Henceforth, I will not be sorrowful and I will not be anxious (Psalm 3:3) about my future because the Lord has my future in His hands.
Day 5
I will wait on the Lord who renews my strength. Through God I will mount up on wings like eagles, I shall run and not be weary and when I walk I shall not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
Day 6
I receive abundant life through Christ my Lord who gives me life. The devil no longer have access to steal, kill or destroy any areas of my life for I have Christ who gives me abundant life (John 10:10)
Day 7
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Day 8
I possess the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding in my heart. I will remain calm in chaotic situations. I will trust in Christ and declare His peace over my life. For this reason that He came to the world(John 16:33).
Day 9
The Lord is my strength and my help. The Lord is with me and he upholds me with his righteous arm. I will not be shaken. I will not be afraid. I will not be moved (Isaiah 41:10)
Day 10
Today I cast my burdens upon Christ and he gives me rest (Matthew 11:28)
