Can I be happy instead of depressed?

[Elder-Shawn Denise Briscoe]

The answer to this question is “Yes”!

Let’s look at 5 basic principles of depression. Depression is a demonic spirit and it attacks the individual. Not everyone has a spirit of depression; some may experience depression as a temporary emotion which is brought on by negative news and then in about 3 days or so you begin to come out of it. However, in that time you may have small moments of happiness. This is not so for the person who has a spirit of depression in their life.

1. Emotional:Proper self-esteem is needed to be a success. Realize your position in JESUS; you are a child of GOD! The CREATOR of the universe cares about you and has a wonderful plan for your life. That in itself is enough to make anyone feel special. Take the time to evaluate your assets and talents. Take advantage of
   your likes and abilities; no matter how different they may seem from those of others. Once you find something you do well; begin immediately to do it with enthusiasm; so that you may grow in your sense of self-worth. Stop focusing on the negative traits which may or may not be negative at all. Anything may be
   turned to your advantage if you are determined to use it in a positive way. To achieve self-esteem is to seek responsibility and accomplish that task given. In doing so; you are being trained to be a responsible and dependable person who cares about self and others admirable traits as you grow. One way to establish dependability in your life is to establish goals; whatever positive goal you set for yourself write them down; pray about them and trust GOD to give you the ability to accomplish it. Joel 2:28; Habakkuk 2:2; Acts 2:17;
   Philippians 4:8.
2. Intellectual:The world is full of things to be learned. We may think we know it all but we don’t; we all can learn something new every day. We have no interest to motivate ourselves to further learning. Our conversation is boring and monotonous. The answer is to begin reading and enjoying the world of knowledge;
   dare to know what you are speaking about. As you learn keep the warning of GOD in mind, Proverbs 1:7. Knowledge without wisdom makes a snobbish, stubborn, boring person. Always keep grace and humility in your personality; never feel as though you cannot learn from someone else. Wisdom is looking at life from
   GOD’s point of view. James 1:5.
3. Physical:Today we are so busy doing this and doing that; that we don’t take time to get the adequate rest and proper diet that our bodies need. We are in such a rush to do everything; we want everything now; we want a microwave life. We need to slow down the pace a few notches because whatever is on your agenda for the day if it’s properly planned we will have enough time in which to do them. And not only do them but to do them correctly with much thought and attention. 1Timothy 4:8.
4. Social: As CHRISTians we are responsible to heal the hurting by taking the initiative in forgiving and asking forgiveness. Do not let pride interfere with a joyful relationship. A friend who forgives and loves it a good friend. Select your friends carefully; realizing that you will become more and more like each other. Adopt a life style of reaching out and caring but be careful to let CHRIST in you do the influencing rather than allowing yourself to be influenced by others. In other words if you are to be influenced by another; it will be
   that character of JESUS that you see in another that you too will want in your life. Friendship is an essential part of life. Be careful to take the time to cultivate friendships by being a friend who listens; who cares; who helps; who encourages and who prays for another. You will find more joy and victory over depression. Happiness is a circumstance but joy is your response to the circumstances. Proverbs 13:20; Colossians 1:27.
5. Spiritual:When you feel empty as if you are in need of something and you can’t place your finger on what it is you are in need of. It’s your spirit starving for GOD. We must understand that GOD loves us and has created us in HIS image in order that we may have fellowship with HIM. Ignoring this need for GOD in our lives will
   ultimately lead to an emptiness which we mistakenly may try to fill materially, socially, in pleasure and other ways. This is the biggest reason why so many turn to drugs and alcohol as well as to forget the great pain and or anger that taunts their lives daily. We are trying to fill the void with excitement, fun and cheap thrills thinking that we are having big fun. But the emptiness rages on until we commit our lives to JESUS and renew our minds with the Word of GOD; build a prayer life and become thankful to GOD as we worship HIM. Unconfessed sin will block all prayer with the exception of repentance and asking GOD with our whole heart to forgive us as we surrender to HIM. Each new day can be filled with blessings from GOD. Genesis 1:27; 1 John 1:3, 7; Matthew 3:2, 22:37; Romans 12:2, 6; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 3:8.

Practice these principles:

1. Friends – cultivate friendships and relationships carefully.
2. Patience – wait for the change with faith and hope in JESUS.
3. Prioritize – Be filled with the Word of GOD and talk often with GOD.
4. Purpose – Through knowledge allow the wisdom of GOD to work in your life.