There are so many lies we tell ourselves in a day especially in the midst of depression. When you’re depressed you can’t always decipher the difference between the lies and the truth. It’s deceiving. The lie is just close enough to the truth, that it’s believable. When your brain isn’t at its’ best, when you’re not on your A game so to speak, this is the perfect moment for the lies to take hold. These lies are now controlling how you think, how you view yourself and others. So, let’s establish what these lies are and begin to retrain our brain with the truth.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
Let’s stop wasting precious brain capacity on things that can destroy us, both physically and mentally, and start using that brain power for the life that God has planned for us.
Lie #1. Depression is my fault. How many different ways have we told ourselves, that we brought this on ? We’re too insecure, we’re different, if only we were tougher, etc. or worse we begin to blame others for our depression. Depression is a medical condition and it is not your fault. Pure and simple.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Notice that we WILL have troubles, trials and sorrows. The world and no one who lives in it will have a trouble-free life, we all face trials, but we are not alone in this battle.
Lie #2. People that are depressed are weak. We have believed the lie that we just aren’t that tough, we’re weak, mousy, pathetic. Would you tell a person that has cancer that they are weak? That if they were tougher they wouldn’t get cancer? That they could just wish it away, if they have enough positive thoughts? That their lack of faith had brought this on? I don’t think so. That would be insensitive, insulting and downright rude. So why do we think that someone with depression is any different? That because depression isn’t a physical disease we can just will ourselves out of.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7
Lie #3. Depression is just a disease of the mind. It doesn’t affect your physical well-being. Depression effects your mind, body and soul. Just because we don’t have physical scars, decay or disabilities, doesn’t mean that the body isn’t effected. Did you know that depression/anxiety is linked to IBS, joint pain, weight gain, back aches, headaches, bloating, numbness and insomnia? I could name others, but these are just a few of the big ones. Depression is not just a mental battle, but a physical one as well.
“A sound mind makes for a robust body.” Proverbs 14:30
Lie #4. Depression is a sin. Everything you’ve ever done is coming back and this is God’s judgment on you. You messed up and here’s your payback. God saw what you did, last night, last week, last year, so because of those things, God thought depression was the perfect punishment. God doesn’t work that way, and don’t let anyone tell you any differently.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
There are many other lies, that we tell ourselves, but these are some of the ones that I see the most frequently, and unfortunately many others will repeat those lies to us as well. I hope you will hold fast to these verses and remember you have the tools to combat these lies with the truth.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Your fellow fighter,
Sara
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