I’m Just a Guy: Fighting DepressionSample

Refocusing on What Matters

Depression has a way of making everything around me fuzzy.

It reminds me of when my eyesight began to change. All my life, I had great vision, but sometime after blowing out forty candles on the birthday cake, things started to shift. At first, it was gradual, but I noticed reading small letters became a challenge.

I did what most guys would do—I ignored it and pushed on. I avoided small fonts and accepted things as they were. It wasn’t until I finally went for an eye exam that I realized how bad things had gotten.

When the doctor swapped out different lenses, there came that moment when everything snapped into focus—and I realized how distorted things had been. Looking back, I think part of my resistance was denial. Admitting I had vision problems meant admitting another thing was outside of my control. And that’s something I avoid at all costs.

Here’s the point: sometimes we know we have a focus issue, and other times we’re blind to it. Either way, regaining focus is essential.

Paul gives us a list of what to dwell on—truth, nobility, purity, and more—to keep our thoughts fixed on what truly matters. But how do you do that when depression grips so tightly?

For me, it starts with praise. The fact that I’m still breathing is proof God isn’t finished with me. Paul is really encouraging us to reframe our thoughts and seek a renewed perspective.

In a hate-filled, media-driven world, that feels impossible. Yet nothing is impossible with God. Even small reframes—thanking Him for the little things—strip power from the enemy.

Hear this: I’m not saying “think good thoughts” and all will magically improve. That’s worldly advice. I’m saying dwell on His goodness and watch how the shift moves from you to Him. That’s the secret sauce Paul is pointing us to.

Focusing your thoughts during depression may feel like fighting a forest fire with a squirt gun. I get it. My encouragement: start small. Simply say, “Thank You, God”—over and over. A posture of praise is when the Holy Spirit does His best work.

And if you’ve made it this far in the plan, let me say this: thank you for sticking with it. You’re showing fortitude and resolve by showing up. Keep fighting. Keep focusing. Let’s press on together.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who or what is shaping your thought life most this week?
2. Where do you sense your focus drifting away from God?