Have you ever felt like you were walking in darkness because life seemed so hopeless? It’s normal to experience some cloudy days and to feel sad at times. But when a heaviness pervades your emotions over a period of time, causing despair and depression, it’s time to hold on more tightly to Jesus Christ, the Light-giver.

Many people suffer from bouts of depression or the blues, sometimes at certain seasons of the year, sometimes at other times. There are several causes for this such as stress, loss of a loved one, memories of someone who has left, lack of sunlight, a lack of physical exercise, guilt, and general disappointment with life, God, or friends. Counseling and medication may be needed when depression begins to affect work, relationships, and the ability to function. But whenever you feel alone and in the dark, you can turn to the Light-giver. (Even if you need other special help such as counseling or medication, you also need Christ’s healing presence.) In John 8:12 we read, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (English Standard Version).

There are several steps you can take toward the Light.

1. Light up your mind with truth.

The trouble with the darkness is that people think and dwell on misbeliefs about life. Renewing the mind is all-important for the Christian. If you believe the lie that “my life is hopeless” or “things will never change,” then really you are saying, “God is not big enough to help me.” The Bible says, “nothing will be impossible with God,” and also “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Luke 1:37; Psalm 46:3, English Standard Version).

In the darkness of depression you must hang on to what the Bible says. You must use truth to challenge the hopeless thoughts running through your mind.

Read your Bible every day for 15 to 30 minutes. Include the Psalms and the Gospels. These Scriptures will encourage you, renew your mind, and help you know Christ better in a personal way. Read inspiring books such as The Freedom from Depression Workbook by Les Carter and Frank Minirth, or Keep Believing: God in the Midst of Our Deepest Struggles, by Ray Pritchard.

Let the Word begin to change the darkness in your thought life. Ask yourself, what am I focusing on? My circumstances? My relationships? My problems? Or Jesus, my Rock, Redeemer, Friend, and Savior? What Scriptures can replace the negative thinking that has overcome you?

2. Light up your heart through prayer. Is the depression you feel due to fears and anxiety about life? Are your heart and emotions overwhelmed? Let the Scriptures overcome the clouds of fear beneath the gloom. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (English Standard Version).

When you pray, pray specifically. And pray about everything! Write down your requests so you can go back later to see how God has answered your prayers!

3. Light up your life by doing God’s will. What is God’s will for you? We know for certain that He desires our worship and service, and He tells us to love others. Worshiping God through song, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians restores us spiritually as well as emotionally and mentally.

Get involved in a church that teaches the Bible and proclaims Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You need the encouragement of Christians in your life, and they need yours. You will grow spiritually and emotionally as you fellowship with other believers. The light of Christ will shine through others to you and through you to others. Begin your day in personal praise and worship. Listen often to worship music.

Think of some ways you can show your care and concern to people every day. That is God's will. And talk about Christ to others. Talk about how much He means to you. Sharing your faith is God's will. As you do His will, His light will shine more brightly in your life. You will begin to experience an inner satisfaction because you are fulfilling God's purpose for you.

I know personally that when I am obeying Christ and trusting in His love for me, I have an inner joy that overflows, a zest for living, and a love for other people.

It is also God’s will for you to take care of the body He has entrusted to you while you are here on earth. Plan to get regular physical exercise. This will help raise the serotonin and neuro-chemical levels that help improve your energy level. Regular exercise and proper diet can relieve stress and increase immunity.

If you still feel depressed, if you feel like you are walking in the darkness after trying all of these steps, get a physical exam and call Rapha’s hotline for referral to a counselor (800-383-4673) or see the directory of Christian counselors at www.aacc.net.

Fix your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith. Why? Because your needs can only be met completely by Christ. He is the living water, the bread of life, the One who gives eternal life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). When you take steps to grow in your relationship with Christ, His light will begin to shine more brightly in your darkness.

~ Lynette J. Hoy, is a Marriage and Family counselor, speaker, writer and the Chicagoland Chair of Community and Business Women for Christ. Her newly released book, What's Good About Anger? can be ordered online at: Counsel Care Connection or Amazon.com.

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