A Way to Manage Thoughts When Living With Depression
I was one busy and exhausted mama. Three children under four, with another on the way, consumed my days and zapped my energy. Worse, the depression I’d battled since I was a teenager made even the simplest parts of life seem overwhelming.
I cried almost every day, begging God to help me hold it together.
One day, my then pastor’s wife shared Philippians 4:8 (ESV) with me:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
She emphasized the last phrase: “think about these things.”
I nodded, faking understanding. I wish I’d been honest and asked her to teach me how to “think about these things.” How could I think about true, honorable and lovely things when most of my thoughts were consumed with how to make it through another day?
I tried meditating on God’s Word, but my thoughts would race, making all the words run together. And chasing three small kids with that ever-growing belly of mine didn’t leave me with much spare time.
Thankfully, I finally developed a method that worked.
Each morning, when I read my Bible and came across a verse that was relevant to my needs, I wrote it on an index card. Because I had trouble focusing on long sentences, I focused on one small segment at a time.
Using Philippians 4:8 as an example, I wouldn’t try to ponder the entire verse at once. Rather, whenever I could grab a minute, I’d think and pray about a few words at a time, such as, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true.” I’d ask the Holy Spirit for insight by praying something like, “Lord, teach me Your truths and how to recognize when the enemy is lying to me.”
Then I’d pause to allow God to speak to my heart.
An hour or two later, or whenever my thoughts would head in a negative direction, I’d think about the phrase again or move to the next small segment, allowing the verse to continue to reorient or reshape my thinking. Learning to align my thoughts with God’s Word has been one of the most transformative things I’ve done in my Christian walk.
Do you think this might work for you?
Try it for the rest of October, National Depression Awareness Month. Whether or not you struggle with depression or anxiety, watch how God uses His Word to transform your thoughts – one small segment at a time.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
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I only had 2 sons, and believe me when I say I was overwhelmed! I can’t even imagine having 4 children! I wasn’t a Christian until my children were 7 and 3! I thought I was going crazy at times, but God finally caught my attention, as we moved to a new home where I knew no one! I started studying all the trees, plants, flowers and wildlife around my home and started seeing God’s glory in His creation around me, and reading my Bible at the same time! Philippians 4:8 is a wonderful verse to start to dwell on during the day! Here are some other verses that also emphasize the truths in Scripture! “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17. “The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.” Psalm 119:160. “Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12. “He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart,” Psalm 15:2. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” James 3:17. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12. Thanks Sheryl for sharing phrases in God’s Word that helped you when your children were young!
Praise God!! Our God is so amazing. He reveals Himself in so many ways, including through His beautiful creation, as He did for you, Kim.
Thank you, once again, for stopping by!
I probably already mentioned that Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses, especially packaged together with the preceding bears (Philippians 4:4-8)
These verses literally saved my life one night. About a year later I finally gave my heart to Jesus!
Wow!! Praise God, Helen!
Your comment’s(short but SO powerful) best response is for me to post the entire passage of Philippians 4:4-8 (ESV):
“4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Amen!
Another wonderful message.
How many of us are plagued with depression. It should be addressed in places of worship. It can also be a silent killer
Isn’t it truly wonderful how the Lord worked in our lives but, I think you would agree, that it wasn’t easy.
Agree! Agree! And agree, Sandra!
Thankfully, God’s compassionate grace is real. Even when, especially in, areas of depression.
Keep reaching out and letting others know that they are not alone!
I will.
As I know, you too will continue encouraging others, struggling with depression, Sandra!