How to Recover From Spiritual Depression

Spiritual Depression is an event in a Christian life that one’s faith is put in a test. It is a very sensitive episode that it is crucial that we know how to recover from it. Two things might happen. It is either we would be lost forever or we would find the way back home. If your goal is the latter one, review my guiding list below.

1. Never give up praying.

Even if you struggle to find the connection in your prayers, keep on doing that. True it is that sometimes we struggle to form the right words in our head to say the perfect prayers. Don’t ever go after perfect prayers. God does not listen to how we say our prayers to Him, or how impressive the words are forming in our heads. It is how we feel by faith with that prayer. I remember reading an article from a book before that said this:

Beautiful prayers are those in which we are in holy silence with God having our heart open for Him to search in us so to let the power of His Holy Spirit to fill us in while we listen to what He wants, not to what we want. And remember, God appreciates every little thing we do to achieve His attention.

Encouragement in Prayers

Philippians 4:6-8

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks-giving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

2.Read the Gospel.

Always read the Bible. It is your ultimate guidance in understanding what God wants for you and to understand all the beautiful things He has done for you and is preparing for you. It will direct you to the right path.

Many of us have reputation for refusing to call for directions while driving our lives. There were times before that I was shy to ask direction or to ask for very important information. I was thinking that it was just a natural part of me, the being shy. However, now that I had realized that it has something to do with ego. We do not want to admit that we do not know something. We do not want to feel stupid even for just a very short moment. And who wants to be stupid? Of course no one would want that. As a result, we end up running in circles. Therefore, it is a lot better to let the One who can see where we should be going to take the wheel. Let Him guide you through safely to the destination He has prepared for you.

Encouragement in Prayers

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

3.Mingle with fellow Christians.

In times when we are weak in spirit, it is important that we surround ourselves with other fellow Christians. Mingling with them will encourage our spirit to get stronger and more alive than before. Always remember that our body is like an open pitcher that whatever spirits are around you, it might be transferred into you. That is why it is crucial that you surround yourself with fellow Christians, especially at times when you are feeling spiritually week, so that their strong faith will rev up your spirit.

There was a time before when I was secretly spiritually down. Then Jaki, a new friend of mine in the office approached me and it felt like there was a connection between us even if we scarcely knew each other back then. She started sharing beautiful things God had done in her life. It was beautiful. It was like God was using her to speak to me. That conversation ended with an empowering prayer led by her. After that, I felt so much relief that I could not help but say my praises to the LORD.

Encouragement in Prayers

John 14:16

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.

4.Attend Church Service.

At times when we are feeling depressed spiritually, these are the times when we feel like not going to the church. We feel like the earth is pulling us down to the ground that we do not want to even stand up and do anything. We just want to watch the day wastes away and wait for the night for nothing. It is so natural that you feel like this but never let it be the way because if you do, futile questions will start popping in your head desperately needing for instant answers until your mind gets more clouded. Going to church is one of the many things you can do to get to the healing you are looking for.

During a session in our Small Group with Victory Christian Fellowship in Alabang Center, Casey told us that going to church is also one of our ways to show our love to the LORD. And all the support you are looking for can be found in the church.

5.Remember all the beautiful things God had done for you.

This is one of the many things Jaki had told me when she approached me for that blessing talk. When she was feeling spiritually depressed and wanting to come back to the Old Home, one of the ways she did to feel re-blessed is by remembering all the beautiful things God had done in her life.

Every one of us has the most tragic series in our lives that in the process of it, we felt like we couldn’t make it. Until the all-knowing hands of God guided us through until everything was just a part of our memory. Also, Jaki felt more relieved when she had re-learned the many reasons why her life is so beautiful. This has made her wanting for more that led her to the process of healing.

Encouragement in Prayers

Psalm 13:5-6 NIV

But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.

There are so many reasons why we feel depressed. Many times we feel like no one can understand us. It is because no one can feel the way we are feeling inside. Even if that person has gone through he same situation before, it is still different. No one can get into your skin to feel the exact feeling you are going through. I know it is not easy. In fact it is very difficult. True it is that there are so many reasons why are get depressed. However, always remember that there are more reasons for you to feel alive and happy. It is just a matter of decision. When you are already decided, do what you can to achieve it. And let God do His miracles. #

Reporting,

Fernand Yim

Read more...