‘I have loved you with an everlasting love.’ Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
‘I’m so totally a loser.’
‘I’m such a pig.’
This is the kind of self-talk that can not only increase feelings of depression—but keep us stuck there. It’s one thing to admit, ‘I made a mistake,’ entirely another to say or think, ‘I’m an utter failure.’ ‘I ate too much’ speaks to our behaviour but ‘I’m a pig’ emphasises a negative identity.
When we label ourselves like this, we reinforce our problems and begin to feel worse. Let God change the harmful misconceptions you have of yourself, such as:
(1) ‘If somebody criticises me, it means I’m worthless,’ or
(2) ‘I have to be loved and accepted by everybody in order to feel fulfilled,’ or
(3) ‘I can’t admit an area of weakness; I must be perfect—or else I’m a failure.’
Those are the kinds of misconceptions that can increase depression. Jesus knew the importance of correct thinking when He said, ‘You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ (John 8:32 NLT) The good news is—you can live free from depression! How? By establishing a personal relationship with Christ. This may not automatically cure all your depression, but without Him in your life, you don’t have the power to change.
When Christ comes into your life, He gives you a new purpose, new power, and a new perspective. You need something greater to live for than your own interests. People who live only for themselves often end up depressed. You need something bigger; something that draws you out of yourself. And that something is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Through Him (and with appropriate support from a medical professional if needed), you can conquer depression.
SoulFood: Num 7, Matt 6:1–18, Ps 37:8–15 Pro 11:3
word4today an adaptation of The Word For Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024
