Please understand that depression is not a sign of weakness nor is it a result of demonic oppression. The fact is many of us are living with a variety of stressors that add to or trigger feelings of sadness or depression. Take a minute and think about some of the experiences that you have had in your life or are currently facing. Raising children alone, working more than one job, ongoing financial concerns, lay offs, family concerns, the list can go on and on. So give your self some credit for being able to withstand the situation that you are going through. Listen, even the best long distance marathon runner gets tired sometimes.

Depression and or feelings of sadness can also be reinforced by the negative thoughts and feelings that we allow to control our lives. Think about this, if it were possible to carry a tape recorder around with you and to record your thoughts for a week, “What types of thoughts would be recorded on your tape recorder?” Would they include thoughts like “I can do all things with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ” or “I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” or would they include thoughts such as: “your stupid,” “you can’t do that,” “they don’t like you,” or “its not going to work out.” Well, if these are the types of thoughts that we are mediating on, then there is no wonder that we feel hopeless, down and discouraged.