DEPRESSION AND CHRISTIAN GROWTH

By  Z E N I T H A   V I C T O R I A    B A D A

I celebrate you all.

Its an honor and a previlege to be given the opportunity to be part of this great platform. I pray that as we look into today's area of concentration, the Holy Spirit will minister to us.

Today by God's grace I'll be talking about a very rampant and life-threatening issue: DEPRESSION AND CHRISTIAN GROWTH.

As simple as it sounds it has taken a lot of lives.

First I'll  like us to look into the meaning, using the Chrome dictionary. 

Depression is defined as a feeling of severe despondency(low spirits from loss of hope or courage; dejection). 

Its also a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. 

In other words depression is a feeling of sorrow or discouragement caused by ANXIETY, and this is a way the devil is ruining lives and  turning  people away from God. As the Bible says in John 10:10  "The thief(Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." KJV

Sadly, many people fall victim to depression because they want to do things by their strength, while others are also too proud or ignorant of asking God for forgiveness in their short comings. Instead they stay away, they also find companionship only in men.

|Consequently, the Holy Spirit is kept aside; there is no more respect and reverence for God; so fear, worry, anxiety become the masters of the day, since there is no directions from the Holy Spirit.

A quick reminder, the bible says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 KJV

Notice here it says "all these things" talking about Joy, peace, riches, good friends  and whatever we desire is added to us but we first and foremost have to seek God's kingdom. 

Secondly we need to realize that if we sin, God is always faithful and ready to forgive us. He(God)  needs us to acknowledge we did wrong and run back to him sincerely "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."1John 1:9 KJV

We also have to realise we cannot do anything without God and that is why in Psalms 55:22 It says,"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." 

Likewise, Matthew 11:28 which says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Depression is a lie from the pit of hell that tampers with the authority that God has placed on humanity to stand up to the situations that come challenging, the devil himself and his lies.

We have been empowered by God to over come, only if we trust in God that He would never leave us nor forsake us and acknowledge that His love conquers all. It doesn't matter the the length, height or breath of sin we've committed He is always patiently waiting for us to run back to His loving arms.

We have every authority to overcome depression, and we can, because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.(Philippians 4:13).

Not to forget, we also have a role to play in this. 

• We should be a listening ear. 
• We be courageous.
• We should be our brothers keeper. 

Checking up on our friends and praying with and for them is a little effort we can make to help friends facing depression.

JESUS LOVES YOU.

Zenitha Victoria Bada is a contributor on World Missions Africa blog. She is a brash candid write on her faith in Christ and spiritual growth. She is a University 200level student, a plus size model, an actress and a caterer. Zenitha blogs every friday.