Dealing With DepressionVoorbeeld

Are you unbeatable? 💪🏻

Depression is often marked by an overwhelming fear of death, defeat, loss and grief. Depression can rob you of all joy if you don’t learn how to conquer it. Have you learned how to overcome the grips of depression?

Paul the Apostle faced almost overwhelming amounts of loss, persecution, adversity and hatred, but somehow he overcame it all. He once wrote these powerful words: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, NIV) 

As I’ve studied his life, I’ve learned a few lessons that helped me conquer the depression that almost killed me. I’m praying this list will help you and your family become overcomers as well. 

1. Apostle Paul took care of his physical health. “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.” (2 Timothy 4:13, NIV) Please see your doctor for a full physical exam with blood tests. Many depressions are caused by a physiological condition. Have you seen a doctor recently?
2. He asked for prayer. “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:19, NIV) He did not suffer in silence. Please send us your prayer requests. You are not alone.
3. Paul built a strong relational circle. “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11, NIV) He openly expressed his appreciation for his friends and asked for more help. Bring counselors, friends, pastors and family into your inner circle.
4. Paul confronted issues that were bothering him. He did not repress his hurt or anger. Repression can turn into depression, so please work through your issues.
5. He had an intimate faith experience with God. “...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:12-13, NIV) Press into an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Depression has knocked at my family’s door for many years, but we’ve all chosen to fight the good fight of faith. I’m praying God will help you and others who will read this email to overcome depression. There is hope and faith in knowledge. Depression, discouragement and even suicide are avoidable. 

May the Spirit help you spread these truths and set people free from depression. 

Because you’re a miracle. 

And I’m Paul Marc Goulet.