It was a long time ago but I have been there too. My wife also has been there for a few months after having our children. So, I am convinced that depression has a chemical / hormonal component.
My experience with it convinces me that there is also a spiritual component.
And knowing others who have had times of depression convinces me that difficult or traumatic experiences also can play a role - although I do wonder if there is an element of spiritual attack in that too.
I'm no expert, just an old guy with lots of life experience. My advice is to start with the spiritual because it's free and easy. But for some reason, even 99% or Christians seem to reject it:
1. Have a scheduled time every day to just spend in quiet talking and being in the presence of God. Make this sacred time. The most important scheduled time of your day. Never miss it. And include the quiet part. Don't talk and run. Tell God everything. He already knows anyway. And then just sit still and quiet in God's presence. If you are experiencing a spiritual attack, this will be unfulfilling and God will feel far away at first. Don't quit! It won't take long to know that God is close and listening.
2. Read your Bible every day. I have no idea why this is so powerful in keeping God close and Satan away but it does. When I'm reading every day I am different and it's so much easier to avoid sin than when other things get in the way and I miss a few days.
And last. If this enduring sadness turns into considering hurting yourself. Talk to someone immediately, as soon as you have that first thought. Whether that thought is from brain chemistry, trauma,or Satan I don't know. But make your plan now who you will tell and what you will say and start that conversation with them now so you already have a channel of communication open in case you need it.
My experience with it convinces me that there is also a spiritual component.
And knowing others who have had times of depression convinces me that difficult or traumatic experiences also can play a role - although I do wonder if there is an element of spiritual attack in that too.
I'm no expert, just an old guy with lots of life experience. My advice is to start with the spiritual because it's free and easy. But for some reason, even 99% or Christians seem to reject it:
1. Have a scheduled time every day to just spend in quiet talking and being in the presence of God. Make this sacred time. The most important scheduled time of your day. Never miss it. And include the quiet part. Don't talk and run. Tell God everything. He already knows anyway. And then just sit still and quiet in God's presence. If you are experiencing a spiritual attack, this will be unfulfilling and God will feel far away at first. Don't quit! It won't take long to know that God is close and listening.
2. Read your Bible every day. I have no idea why this is so powerful in keeping God close and Satan away but it does. When I'm reading every day I am different and it's so much easier to avoid sin than when other things get in the way and I miss a few days.
And last. If this enduring sadness turns into considering hurting yourself. Talk to someone immediately, as soon as you have that first thought. Whether that thought is from brain chemistry, trauma,or Satan I don't know. But make your plan now who you will tell and what you will say and start that conversation with them now so you already have a channel of communication open in case you need it.
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