I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the face staring back at me. Who was she? How did she get there? She was a mere skeleton of her former self.
It seemed like one day I was alive and thriving, working and contributing to my family and society. Then almost overnight I was bed-ridden, being kept alive on IV-hydration and nutrition, having gone from a petite 113 pounds to a skeletal 74 pounds and weaker than I’d ever felt in my life. That illness led to the most debilitating depression that stole my joy, killed my peace, and threatened to destroy my identity. It’s just what the enemy does.
It left me feeling worthless. Helpless. Hopeless.
That morning as I remained home, alone, and in bed, it was cloudy outside just like my spirits. In the depths of my soul I was so lonely I could hardly stand it—being ill and in that bedroom for weeks didn’t help. I felt so isolated, so lonely, so afraid that was all my life would ever be. Who was I if I could no longer work, no longer care for my family?
All I could do was sleep. I had no appetite. I had no energy, and no desire to do any of the things I’d always loved to do. What about the “Joy of my salvation?” Where was that? Maybe I was just joy-immune.
I knew what I was supposed to do. I’d counseled patients for years who struggled with depression, and I tried all the same things I had suggested to them: I’d gone to therapy and done the work. I paid attention to sleep, diet, and exercise. I tried medication. They all helped but they weren’t enough. Something was missing.
Slowly over time God revealed the missing piece: If we don’t address the spiritual component of depression, we’re really just putting a bandaid on it. As I began to see the enemy’s scheme and come against him with the authority given to us as children of the Most High God, I began to experience the dark cloud lifting.
The hard work of healing required that I “take every thought captive.” Essentially, that meant I had to be aware of the thoughts I was having and check to see if they agreed with the truth of Scripture. If they didn’t, I needed to reject them, and replace them with God’s truth.
As I began to come against the enemy’s lies with the truth of God’s Word, the darkness was replaced with light.
In depression’s darkness, the enemy tried to convince me I would never be healed, but Jesus himself declared “By My stripes you are healed” (Is. 53:5)
The enemy shouted that I was weak, but Jesus said “in Me you are strong!” (Isaiah 40:31)
The enemy wanted me to believe I was a victim, but Jesus declared “In Me you are victorious!” (1 Cor. 15:57)
The enemy repeatedly tried to convince me I was rejected, but God’s truth stated “In Me you are accepted!” (Eph. 1:6)
In depression’s grip, the enemy wanted me to believe I was worthless, but God declared I was worthy! (John 3:16)
Victory over depression begins with renewing our mind and discrediting the enemy’s lies. That’s the secret of moving from hopeless to hope-filled.
What lies have you believed that need to be uprooted with God’s truth today?
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
By 2020, depression is going to be the greatest epidemic worldwide. Every year one in ten adults is diagnosed, and at some point in their lifetime, one in four people will be diagnosed with this dark condition. If you found this post encouraging or educating, would you please be an Ambassador of Hope and consider sharing it so that others would find help and hope as well?
Exciting News!
The Hope Prevails Bible study is now available!
Are you or is someone you love experiencing depression? This book offers tangible help, hope, and healing from someone who’s been there and has come out on the other side.
In this Bible study companion to Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression, Dr. Bengtson, a neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience, shares both her clinical expertise and her own personal journey through depression.
Dr. Bengtson’s personal experience is interwoven with questions for reflection, key thoughts, music playlist suggestions, resources, plus a leader’s guide.
This Bible study can be used as a companion to Hope Prevails or independent study by an individual or is perfect in a small or larger group study. Useful for churches and counseling practices.
“Authentic connections, raw insights, and powerful truths. A great resource for individuals that would be highly beneficial to both church and counseling groups.” ~ Pastor Debbie Kitterman, Founder, Dare 2 Hear Ministry
(For more hope and posts like this, visit Dr. Bengtson’s website: www.DrMichelleBengtson.com or follow her on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson)
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From Pastor Dewey:
This just showed up in the mail yesterday from Dr. Michelle Bengtson! A surprise package!!! I love surprises! Dr. Michelle writes for us at here at FGGAM! PTL!!!
The picture in this post is my endorsement of Dr. Michelle’s book, “Hope Prevails Bible Study” My endorsement is in the book. Over the last several years I have been blessed to preview books and asked to write many endorsements. It is a Godly honor to do so. God shows me what to endorse and what not to. There are so many books out there, but this one by Dr. Michelle really stands out. As Dr. Michelle states, “Insights from a Doctor’s personal journey through depression.”
Anxiety and depression are rampant, this book will be a blessing. I would say I get at least 3 to 5 calls a day from people that are suffering from severe anxiety or depression.
Folks, the book PREACHES! Please get it, buy several copies and hand them out! AMEN!
For more hope and posts like this, visit Dr. Bengtson’s website:https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com or follow her on Facebook:https://www.Facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
To learn more about “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” Dr. Bengtson’s newly released book, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.
And keep being blessed by Dr. Michelle’s postings here at FGGAM! PTL!
