Delivered from Depression
This morning as I was meditating on the goodness of God I sensed that He was leading me to write once again about my deliverance from depression.
I invite you to come into my kitchen for a cup of tea, and let me tell you what the Lord has done for me. The Good News is that what He did for me, He will do for you!It was in 1968 while sitting in my kitchen that the wondrous Person, the Holy Spirit, moved in and delivered me from depression – a mental disorder that I would later learn to resist and stand against. The Word of God became my spiritual weapon of offense, and my medicine. God sent forth His Word and healed me, rescuing me from the pit and destruction. (Psalm 107:20.)
Depression has become an epidemic in the past few years. It is one of Satan’s key tactics to defeat the body of Christ and render lives dysfunctional. Those closest to me said I was depressed because I wanted to be. They turned away when I screamed, I hate my behavior! I hate the way I feel. I hate life. I hate me! If only I could change and be a different person!
No one understood that I was fighting a mental disease that’s just as real as cancer is a physical disease. To tell someone caught in a battle with depression to “get over it” or “just make a decision” does not offer comfort or stimulate hope. In fact, it is more evidence that they are less than others; they are deficient, there’s something missing in their DNA because they make many decisions but are never able to follow through.
BUT GOD! He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, is more than able and willing to deliver you from bondage. He will shine in your heart to give you the light of the knowledge of His glory. (2 Cor. 4:6.)
Today you may feel that the storm clouds are gathering, the waters are turbulent, but look up there is light shining through; there is hope. Your night can turn to day, TODAY!
On the day of deliverance a brand new world beckoned me. I rose from my depression to embark upon a spiritual journey that continues even to this day. I began to believe in miracles, for I had just received one. And I began to believe in God with a passion as never before. On that day I was filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for I began receiving the goal of my faith, the salvation of my soul. (1 Peter 1:8, 9.)
God LOVES you! His love that flooded me that day was living proof that God had visited me. I eagerly awaited the children’s arrival from school, meeting them with a smile that refused to turn into a frown. The depression and confusion left, darkness turned to day and I was changed-in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
The allure of escape through fantasy no longer charmed me. Instead, a hunger for reality-God’s health-consumed me. As I turned my attention to God’s Word, I discovered I was reading His love letter to me. I began reading my Bible voraciously. God’s promises weren’t general. They were personal and specific; they were exceedingly great and precious.
You can step into a covenant relationship with a personal God who loves you unconditionally, and you will no longer be afraid. This God is more than just an “All-Seeing Eye,” peering at your every mistake. He is a loving Father. His all-seeing eye is watchful and caring. He is looking out for your best interest and the best interests of those you love.
Thank God for His mercy and grace! On that day many years ago the Holy Spirit became my Teacher. He revealed the things of Jesus to me-and to know Jesus is to know God.
In spite of feelings God is ever present ready to deliver. The Holy Spirit will help you arise from the depression that has held you captive; you will arise to new life! Your devotional times will turn into personal fellowship with the triune being – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Heavenly Father will never leave or forsake you. Talk with Him about everything that concerns you and He will talk with you.
What He did for me, He will do for you!
Copyright © 2007 by Germaine Copeland