Is depression keeping you awake tonight? What is it? Where does it come from? What will chase it away?

Many of our partners are occasionally captive to debilitating depression. I hear a consistent cry : "I have no energy of strength to do anything. It's all hopeless. What's the use of trying?"

I have learned that if you suffer from depression, most likely you are exhausted during the day, but wide awake long before dawn.

Did you know that the Psalmist, David, experienced excruciating depression too? In two of his Psalms he cried count, "Why are you cast down (depressed) O My soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance" (Psalm 42:5, NKJV, also see 43:5).

Know from this that there is victory ahead over depression, but to gain it, there is something you must do. You must "hope in the Lord." This is a major key in overcoming depression. Why? Because in doing so you shift the focus of your thoughts from yourself ( and all your hopelessness) to GOD, and the power that is in Him! Thus the channel is opened for Him to do a healing work!

Before you spend one more night in depression's snare, make a determined effort to transfer all your thoughts from yourself to God. Refocus your energies on the hope that is in Him, and depression will flee!

Heavenly Father, I praise You that there is hope for me, and that hope is in You! Anoint my mind so my thoughts might be renewed in You. Help me to cast off all thoughts that are negatively focused on myself, my circumstances or my own abilities. Instead, I seek Your face, believe in Your power, and trust in Your love. I know I will yet praise You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.