The signs of harm to a human body are seen through wounds, but the signs of depression are invisible. One could be seen as absolutely healthy and well. However, they could be hurting inside while they appear sane to others. When one is depressed there is an element of being depleted beyond comprehension. The story that speaks about depression in profound ways is the story of Jesus Christ when He was in Gethsemane.

Mark 14:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

Listening to Intelligence Briefing by Steve Schultz from Elijah Streams and Robin D. Bullock, was a great confirmation about how depression affected Jesus Christ. What I really liked about their conversation was the part about when Jesus Christ was in Gethsemane, and how he was afflicted to the point of death as he was sweating blood. The scriptures say: Jesus Christ knew no sin and in him, there is no sin. Nevertheless, towards the point of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, Jesus felt the weight of mankind’s sins to the point of death.

Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

An encounter with depression, suppression and oppression are to the point that one could die. Some get to the state that they literally fall down and die or commit suicide. The weightiness of our sins weighed heavily on Jesus’ soul to the point of death.

Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

As human beings, we also experience depression to a level that makes us unable to communicate effectively with others about our anguish. Depression is often seen as a mental condition that can’t be pinpointed to a specific area.

Depression can be the result of a lived condition or circumstances that deter us from living a healthy life. It targets the brain the most. It is something that can overwhelm your body without creating a visible wound in the body. Most people suffer from depression because of traumatic experiences.

Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

At times, it can create an overwhelming ache that can’t be seen by the visible eye or x-rays. Jesus knew what would happen to him, and he told his disciples without wavering or fear before the crucifixion happened, and he wasn’t overwhelmed by it. What was overwhelming to Jesus, was not the idea of being crucified, but the weight of the sin and the thought of hell was enough to kill a person.

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Situations that are hard to accept can cause depression. For example death, financial constraints, failure, grief and other human experiences that we perceive as setbacks. Other occurrences are less dangerous to our mental health, while others are very extreme. Every event is like a seed. It’s up to an individual to decide how they can overcome the deposited seed in their mind.

Grief can be hard to live with. There are stories of many couples, friends or family members who die after one another because the other spouse, friend or family member couldn’t bear the pain of living without the other. Grief often causes depression that can’t completely disappear in one’s mind, if it can’t be dealt with properly. It often lingers on and it can’t be seen past the pain of what has been. Grief opens doors for other things to enter into one’s soul, mind and body. It can manifest through addiction, suicide, fear, depression or sorrow to the point of death.

Roman 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hell or Sheol is a place of torment, heaven is a place of eternal life with God. There is often a spiritual separation before there is a physical death. There are often signs that someone is about to depart before there is a physical death. A time of reconciliation can be shorter or longer. It depends on what God has destined for an individual. Accidents and other forms of immediate death can be harder to accept for those who are left behind.

Jesus came to put death in its place. It’s not God’s desire for us to die. Sin separated us from God and the wages of sin is death. Only the perfect Lamb of God can atone for our sins. Jesus had the x-ray vision to see and feel our afflictions in his body, mind and soul. Satan torments us with the aim to destroy, steal our joy and kill. If Satan can’t do it through people or physical means, he targets our minds.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The solution to depression is accepting God’s love for us. Before one can be saved, one lives in eternal torment. That’s why we are called to be born again in Christ Jesus. As we live in Christ Jesus, we undergo afflictions, resurrection and live with Christ Jesus as if we have undergone the crucifixion. Life is through loving God with all our heart, might and soul.

The best part is that when we accept Christ Jesus, we don’t have to go to hell. The prince of life, Jesus Christ, awards us eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus Christ laid his life for us so that we can live in eternity with God.

John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

It’s not a matter of living a perfect life, but knowing that we need God to overcome depression, oppression and the suppression we experience here on earth. We can overcome this by continually reminding ourselves of what God’s will is for our lives. Meditating on the Word of God is the only way we can overcome depression. Releasing overwhelming experiences is through learning the tools to put the Word of God into our minds, hearts and souls.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Depression can mask spiritual warfare that’s coming from the enemy. The negative words are purged by the blood of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the words we say to ourselves and to others is important. Talking or writing about our experiences helps to rid us of the negative emotions we carry. Counselling or therapy is helpful in dealing with depression. If you can’t afford therapy or counselling, journaling is also effective. Journaling is the cheapest form of therapy.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Practical Tools on How to Fight depression

1. Pray by yourself and ask others to pray with you like Jesus asked His disciples.
2. Remember that God gives life in abundance.
3. Earthly life is temporary, don’t cling to it.
4. When setbacks and temptations happen: lean towards God.
5. Trust that it shall pass when in pain and repent— by renewing your mind.
6. Find joy in knowing that you are living to be with God and not in this world.
7. Jesus is the way to eternal life, even when in pain that is beyond comprehension.
8. Declare the Word of God over your life by meditating on the Word.
9. Reflect and purge your mind of the words that you don’t want in your life.
10. Journal, talk or seek therapy to help you to get rid of negative emotions.