Depression and anxiety are not exclusive to those people of the world. Christians are just as likely to have emotional disturbances as anyone else. When a person becomes depressed, he can get to the place in which he thinks there is no way out. He feels he is trapped. He may pray and pray but conclude that there is no answer to his prayers for relief.
When a person is in this situation, it can get worse and worse. For instance, a person with anxiety may initially be anxious about something. Then eventually he becomes anxious about being anxious. Then he tells himself is in a hopeless place because of the anxiety that he has. Depression and anxiety are monsters which can attack the mind and emotions of anyone unless he has a strong relationship with Christ. Even then it could be mentally walking on thin ice.
In such a situation even a true believer can feel trapped no matter how hard he tries to be happy. No matter what he does by fooling himself there still are those doors that are slammed shut for any joy he could have. It does not matter what position he holds in the church. Pastors, deacons, teachers, and everyone, anyone who attends church, can be subject to such a situation. An individual may say that he is attacked by the devil. To take that line of thought means that the devil has more power than God. It suggests that the power of the devil is so overwhelming that he is able to rob the joy from a Christian.
There is an answer that the apostle Paul provides. Certainly, if anyone had a reason to be anxious or depressed it would’ve been him. He was beaten and experienced many types of persecution. Even some of those who originally declared they were close to Paul abandoned him. At one point in Scripture, he declared himself to be alone. Yet in all his misery and all of his suffering he gives us superb advice that probably came out of his own spiritual growth.
He said in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”
The problem a lot of Christians have in taking Paul’s advice is they don’t stick to it. They allow themselves to be distracted by the negativity in their life. They frustrate themselves. They even thought that they used this verse as encouragement, they conclude there is no encouragement. Understand that this verse is not a magic wand. God did not say to chant this over and over. Instead, he said do it!
If you’re driving down the street and get distracted by something or some other driver, you know that immediately you must bring your focus back to safety to what you have been taught for how to get where you want to go. The same is true of this verse. Sure, you will be distracted. Certainly, your physical or spiritual condition can be a heavy burden. We are not to pretend that all is well.
However, we have to think on what Paul said. Keep refocusing. Keep the biblical instructions alive in your mind. What you think is what you will believe! By doing this, you are winning a spiritual battle. One of the things to think about along with Paul’s advice is the glory of God, his power, and the salvation that he has promised you.
Now, if you don’t appreciate your salvation that’s another thing. Maybe that’s the crux of the matter for yourself anyway. See God as high and mighty in your life. Notice how wonderful the things are that Paul said. There is no magic potion. It is your mind and your emotions that God expects you to supervise. Just because you pray doesn’t mean that God will flip a switch in your brain so that all of a sudden you are happy. Do your part as Paul instructed.
Christian Writer 