Hi, I am currently writing a book titled overcoming depression, living with joy. Yes! my first book. I am really excited about it. It has been quite an experience so far writing this book. My prayer and expectation is that it will be a blessing to lots of people out there who are looking to get out of the toxic web of thoughts that oppresses their minds and live the life of joy Jesus paid for us to have.

Many years ago, over 10 years ago, I had problems with being moody and negative. It got really bad and i tipped into severe depression, but by the power of God’s love and his word, I got healed, made whole and restored. If you missed my story, click here.

From my experience, my relationship with Father God and my practice as a medical doctor, I have learnt quite a lot that i would love to share with you especially if you still struggle in this area or you know anyone who does.

Your Thoughts Determine Your Feelings

How you feel, is a direct reflection of what you are thinking. If you want to feel different you need to change what you are thinking. Sounds simple right? A number of people i have met feel they are powerless over their feelings. The truth is we can control the way we feel. It may not appear so at the start, but when you begin to take charge of your thoughts and remain persistent you will see positive results.

I remember back then, i would just let my mind go whereever it wanted. I hadn’t realised that we had a part to play in being responsible for what we allow our minds stay on.

Even if you take a medical prescription for depression, if you have not learnt to change the way you think and get rid of toxic thought patterns, you would likely fall into the same pit of depression again and again.

The bible says in Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.King James Version (KJV)

So we’ve got a role to play in keeping our minds stayed on God and not focused on the things that tries to rob us of our joy. Now I know that I have the ability to choose what i am thinking about. I can choose to cast my cares on God, I can choose to focus on God’s love for me and i can choose to see the best part of whatever the situation is, which essentially is what God says about it.

What Thoughts Should I think?

You and I can screen our thoughts and if it does not line up with Philipians 4:8 we should drop them.

Philipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

That scripture up there just gives you the sure pathway to cleaning out your mind. I would say that if you meditate on God’s word you’ll be able to decipher what is true and not true and basically you can always go on to determine what is lovely, honest, just etc.

If you spend time being conscious of your thoughts and not allowing yourself ponder on and believe thoughts that do not match Philipians 4:8, you will begin to live free from the hold of depression and you will be able to live with joy.

I’ll be sharing lots more from now on in this area. Please watch out for more posts.

Have you had any challenges with depression? what were your struggles and your successes? I would really be glad to hear from you.