The dictionary defines depression as “a state of sadness or hopelessness.”

It is really surprising that 20 years ago, depression was not as popular or talked about as it is today. It was merely an emotional low. But now, it has also become physical, that anti depression drugs has become so prevalent and addictive to some in desperation.

In the Bible many people have had bouts of depression :

• Abram, because of the son he has still been waiting for.
• Jonah and his heat issues with the gourd and the east wind.
• David and his many Psalms who could have been a Psychologists dream patient.
• Job, which to me, is one of the symbols of great agony for losing everything he had.

King Saul also had bouts of depression in his life during the end of his reign, having in many cases, ended up as a failure in God’s eyes. But once in the stage of his kingdom, he showed a great remedy for depression: PRAISE.

1 Samuel 16:14-23 shares how depression sets in inside us. On the 14th verse, it says clearly why Saul succumbed to the harassment of the evil spirit. He lost the favor of the Lord after clearly disobeying a direct order of wiping out the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). The troubled king suffered after his sin of disobedience. Let us ponder on this and think if we ourselves have clearly disobeyed God. I know for sure a lot of us can relate, but not asking forgiveness and continuing to make the Spirit mourn will eventually lead us to destruction, much like what Saul had experienced. Depression is a point of attack the enemy uses on us, and only God can take this away, not by just merely singing songs and clapping hands, but by the surrendering of our hearts completely to Him.

I can attest that there was also a stage in my life when I have been disobedient, and God allowed me to meet people and go through hardships and unnecessary hurt to make me understand that this world clearly has nothing for me. That period of time is one stage of my life that could have been used for the Lord, instead of finding solace in the dark. At the end of the day it will just be you and Lord. But thanks be to God, for He is the God of second chances. He gave Saul a shepherd named David, filled with God’s Spirit (verse 13), who played the harp in praise for which the evil spirit which tormented Saul departed. You may ask where was praise in David’s harp. We have overlooked that it said that David was filled with the Spirit of God after his Holy anointing with the prophet Samuel.

Praise and Worship is real. Have you tried playing praise music on the car or at home? Have you tried singing and blessing God while giving no care who is next to you during Praise and Worship time? (Psalm 134:2) Have you tried starting it during your daily devotions? I am telling you: when you find yourself in trouble, in an argument, or confused, or all the more depressed, take it from the Word, get your Praise songs, and let it play! Do not only listen to the rhythms, but the words. Grab a Bible and just praise the Lord; make music, your own music to the Him. Praise belongs not only at the pulpit during Sundays, but it is a personal decision and outlook of who God is in our lives. Determine if disobedience from God and the proud spirit of not asking for His forgiveness and control of our lives is leading an opening for the enemy to assault you. If we recall, seek forgiveness and repent, be assured that He will not let the righteous be moved. Through Christ, He has made us Righteous.

Depression will never be present if you have Praise and Worship and the living, reassuring Word of God in the forefront of your life.

Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, try focusing on how big your God is.

Psalm 43:5

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him,
my Savior and my God.

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