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SEVEN (7) REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM DEPRESSION.
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While depression is real and sometimes caused by medical conditions, it is important to understand that we must not allow it to take control of our lives. Depression is a tool the enemy uses to rob people of joy, weaken their faith, and lead them into destruction. Here we will explore seven reasons why you must fight against depression and not give it a permanent place in your life.
1. Depression Can Lead to Isolation and Despair
Story of Elijah Under the Juniper Tree (1 Kings 19:1-18): Elijah was a powerful prophet of God who had just
called down fire from heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal. However, after
Queen Jezebel threatened his life, he became afraid and fell into deep despair.
He isolated himself in the wilderness and wished for death. But God sent an
angel to strengthen him, reminding him that he was not alone.
- Psalm 34:17-18 – "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
- Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
- Hebrews 10:25 – "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Note the following:
Ø "Isolation feeds depression, but fellowship fights it."
Ø "You were not made to walk alone; God created you for community."
Ø "Even in your darkest moments, God is nearer than you think."
Ø "Your loneliness is a lie; there are more for you than against you."
Ø "The enemy whispers to the isolated; the Spirit speaks to the connected."
Ø "Depression thrives in darkness, but healing comes in the light of fellowship."
Ø "God sends people to strengthen you; don’t push them away."
2. Depression Can Steal Your Purpose
Story of Jonah Running from God (Jonah 1-4): Jonah tried to run away from God's calling, and his
disobedience led to a state of despair. He was swallowed by a great fish and
felt abandoned, but when he repented, God restored him to his purpose.
- Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
- Romans 8:28 – "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
- Philippians 1:6 – "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Note The Following:
Ø "Depression clouds purpose, but God’s light reveals it."
Ø "You are too important to God’s plan to let depression win."
Ø "Every setback is a setup for a comeback."
Ø "Purpose is the enemy of depression; focus on what God has for you."
Ø "You are not a mistake; you were created for greatness."
Ø "God’s call on your life is stronger than any storm of depression."
Ø "Don’t let a moment of darkness make you forget your destiny."
3. Depression Opens the Door to the Enemy
Story of King Saul and the Evil Spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-23): When Saul disobeyed God, the Spirit of the Lord left him, and an evil spirit tormented him. Depression and paranoia took over, and his life spiraled downward.
- Ephesians 4:27 – "Neither give place to the devil."
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
- John 10:10 – "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Note The Following:
Ø "An open mind to despair is an open door to the devil."
Ø "Satan exploits weak minds, but God strengthens them."
Ø "Your peace is your protection against the enemy’s attacks."
Ø "God has given you the authority to reject depression."
Ø "Darkness cannot stay where the light of God shines."
Ø "Fear and depression are the devil’s lies; reject them with God’s truth."
Ø "Worship drives out demonic oppression."
4. Depression Can Lead to Self-Destruction
Story of Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5): Judas, after betraying Jesus, was overwhelmed by
guilt and despair. Instead of seeking forgiveness, he took his own life.
- John 8:36 – "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
- Psalm 147:3 – "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
- Romans 15:13 – "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Note The Following:
Ø "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."
Ø "Hope is never truly lost; it is only hidden by despair."
Ø "God’s mercy is bigger than your mistake."
Ø "Every breath you take is proof that God is not finished with you."
Ø "Guilt and grace cannot live in the same heart; choose grace."
Ø "God’s love is greater than your worst failure."
Ø "There is always a way forward, even when you cannot see it yet."
5.
Depression Robs You of Your Joy and Strength
Story
of Nehemiah and the Joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:1-12): The people of Israel had just returned from exile and were
weeping as they heard the Law of God read to them. Nehemiah encouraged them not
to mourn, for “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Instead
of remaining in sorrow, they chose to celebrate and rejoice in God.
- Nehemiah 8:10
– "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
- Psalm 30:5
– "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the
morning."
- Isaiah 61:3
– "To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness."
Note
The Following:
Ø
"Joy is not the absence of
struggles but the presence of God."
Ø
"The enemy wants to steal your
joy because he knows it is your strength."
Ø
"God’s joy is the antidote to
depression."
Ø
"You may not control what
happens, but you can control how you respond—choose joy!"
Ø
"Depression weakens you, but
joy strengthens you."
Ø
"Don’t let a bad season make
you forget that God is still good."
Ø
"Even in sorrow, there is a
song; let the joy of the Lord be your melody."
6.
Depression Can Distort Your View of God and His Promises
Story
of The Israelites Complaining in the Wilderness (Numbers 13-14): When the 12 spies returned from scouting the Promised Land,
10 of them spread fear and negativity. They were so discouraged that they
doubted God's promise and wanted to return to Egypt. Their depression and fear
blinded them from seeing the blessings ahead.
- Lamentations 3:21-23
– "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the
Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
- Proverbs 3:5-6
– "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths
straight."
- Romans 15:4
– "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach
us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the
encouragement they provide we might have hope."
Note
The Following:
Ø
"Depression distorts your
vision, but faith corrects it."
Ø
"Your emotions are real, but
they don’t always tell the truth—God’s Word does."
Ø
"When you can’t see God’s hand,
trust His heart."
Ø
"Hope is holding on to God's
promises even when you can't see the path ahead."
Ø
"Fear and faith cannot
coexist—choose faith."
Ø
"The promises of God are
stronger than the lies of depression."
Ø
"When you focus on God, your
problems shrink; when you focus on problems, God seems distant."
7.
Depression Can Hinder Your Prayer Life and Relationship with God
Story
of David in Deep Distress (Psalm 42-43): David
experienced moments of deep despair, but instead of allowing depression to
separate him from God, he turned to prayer and worship. In Psalm 42:5,
he preached to his own soul: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so
disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior
and my God."
- Philippians 4:6-7
– "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks
in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ
Jesus."
- Psalm 55:22
– "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never
let the righteous be shaken."
Depression is not something to
ignore or take lightly, but God has given us His Word, His joy, and His
presence as weapons against it. We must actively fight against it by staying
connected to God, surrounding ourselves with the right people, and choosing to
trust in His promises.
If you are struggling with
depression, don’t suffer in silence. Seek help, speak to someone, and lean on
God’s grace. He is near to the brokenhearted, and He will lift you up.
By Father Okwuosa.
THE NEED FOR DEEP
DELIVERANCE:
Deep deliverance
addresses root causes of spiritual afflictions and resets lives for divine
fulfillment. Examples of issues requiring deep deliverance include:
- Missed opportunities or delays
in breakthroughs.
- Persistent ill luck or
rejection.
- Last-minute disappointments and
unfulfilled promises.
- Hardship in relationships,
finances, or career progress.
Are any of The Following 17 Things Happening Regularly To You or
In Any Area of Your Life?
· 1.
Whether through omission or commission, you consistently miss the timing of
good things.
· 2.
People promise you help or favors, but before they can help you, bad things
happen to them, making them unable to fulfill their promises to you.
· 3.
On the day you are invited to receive a favor or help, things beyond your
control or things you don’t understand mysteriously or forcibly keep you from
going to the place of help or blessing.
· 4.
In the midst of many people, you are always singled out for rebuke, reprimand,
query, suspension, retrenchment, or victimization for no just cause.
· 5.
You always face consequences for the crimes and offenses of others.
· 6.
People sometimes find it challenging to provide assistance. They prefer to
offer their assistance to others who are less deserving.
· 7.
You or others put in great effort to make something or an occasion very
successful, only to make a small, silly mistake that ruins the entire thing.
· 8.
You always have last-minute disappointments.
· 9.
Despite your gifts, talents, and potential, men often find it easy to forget,
ignore, or bypass you, or even to use and dump you.
· 10.
Your progress is not commensurate with your efforts (your input always exceeds
the output, no matter what you do).
· 11.
In the midst of many people, you are the one who is always struck by disaster.
· 12.
Regular and repeated tragedies or near-death situations always come your way.
· 13.
Do you consistently miss out on opportunities for advancement in politics,
business, finance, or education?
· 14.
You labor, and when it is time to reap, something somehow will push you out of
place, and you start again. You continue to initiate tasks without ever
completing them.
· 15.
With all your good character, sweet, loving, and caring nature, your
relationships or marriage are in shambles. You constantly face heartbreak and
breakups. Every action you take is viewed with serious criticism.
· 16.
You do good, but you are paid back seriously with evil, and your life is full
of deep hatred from people.
· 17.
Any other repeatedly unpleasant experience that you feel no one will
understand.
THEN YOU NEED DEEP
DELIVERANCE.
Special Note: Deep Deliverance focuses on uncovering and
breaking deep and hidden spiritual issues affecting lives and destinies. True
deliverance glorifies God and emphasizes the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
FOR INTERNATIONAL
AUDIENCE (Counselling And Deliverance Virtual Appointment Or Visit), Feel Free
To Contact The Man of God, Father H. A. Okwuosa on WhatsApp Or iMessage
via +2348023512565 or +2348039681543
For counseling, prayers,
or deliverance sessions, contact Ark of Greatness Int’l Church in
Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
CHURCH ADDRESSES:
Asaba Bonsaac Campus: #16 Chief Michael C. Aguebodo Street,
Off Nze Francis Asiba Road, Bonsaac, Asaba, Delta State - Nigeria.
+2349134244628.
Asaba, Okpanam Road Campus: 75 Okpanam Road, Opposite Legislative
Quarters, Asaba, Delta State - Nigeria. +2348137407120
- Man of God Direct Line -
Phone/WhatsApp: +2348023512565.
- Social Media: @fatherokwuosa (Instagram,
Facebook, X, TikTok, Threads)
- Email: arkofgreatnessoffice@gmail.com Or arkofgreatness@gmail.com
GIVE: Tithes, Offerings, Seeds, Sacrifices, and Projects.
*Account Name: Ark of Greatness World Outreach
*Bank Name: GUARANTY TRUST BANK (NAIRA):
*Account Number: 0159036713
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Or KEYSTONE BANK (NAIRA):
Account Number: 1012633611
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Foreign Currency Accounts: GT BANK.
*US DOLLARS - 0477015041
;
*POUNDS – 0477016361
*EURO – 0477016433
*SWIFT CODE—GTBINGLA
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* INTERNATIONAL
GIVING
*Account Name: Ark of Greatness International
*Bank Name: TRUIST BANK (USA - Checking Account)
*Account Number: 1100031863889
*Routing Number: 263191387
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Giving Through Zelle (USA): arkofgreatnessusa@gmail.com
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For
Confirmations and Further Directions,
Calls,
Texts Or WhatsApp Ministry Office:
+2348137407120
+2349134244628
---------------------------------------------
Email: arkofgreatness@gmail.com
Or
prayer@arkofgreatness.org
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Man of God, Father Okwuosa's Direct WhatsApp or iMessage Lines:
+2348023512565
or +2348039681543
