Breaking Free From an Emotional Funk

...For all of us, spiritual depression is rooted in a preoccupation with self.  This inward focus might be spurred by anger, rejection, grief, loss, or other hard experiences.  Depression sets in when we stop trusting God and start questioning His character, doubting His love, or suspecting His justice.  Despondency rules us when we fixate on ourselves, our difficulties, our circumstances, and our misfortunes.  The pathway to deliverance is to turn away from self and toward God and others.

 

We see this illustrated throughout the Bible.  In Psalm 73, the writer is focused on the prosperity of the wicked and the problems of the righteous.  These grievances consumed him to the point that his thoughts are treacherous to his faith and the faith of others.  Everything changed when he went into the sanctuary of God.  By focusing on the Lord, His presence, and His promises – everything became clear (see Psalm 16-28).

 

The prophet Jeremiah experienced a similar turnaround.  In Lamentations 3:14-20 he openly declared his misery, feelings of rejection, and overwhelming afflictions.  But in verse 21, he calls to mind the truth about God.  Suddenly, he bursts forth with praise to his God for the mercies that are new every morning, His great faithfulness, and His goodness toward those who wait for Him (vv. 22-26).

 

Like the biblical writers, we all need a "change of mind" – perhaps repentance – when we are depressed.  We need the grace to turn our thoughts away from our self-consumed focus and toward the reality and character of God... 

- Daniel Henderson, Strategic Renewal

http://www.strategicrenewal.com/strategic-renewal-e--devotional/breaking-free-from-an-emotional-funk-part-three/