How can I overcome my depression?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I am ashamed to say that while I know I’m saved and going to Heaven, there are days I’m depressed and feel uncertain about the future. My friend tells me that I’m fickle, but I don’t want to be, because I know my future is secure. How can I overcome this dilemma? – F.F.
A: It’s amazing how quickly our feelings can change. One day we might be smiling because we were commended for a good deed. The next day we might be hurt because a friend said something unkind about us or to us. Then before we know it, we’re back to feeling on top of the world after we experienced something successful.
It’s a good thing that when it comes to being saved, we don’t rely on our up-and-down feelings. Only the facts matter – the fact that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and the fact that if we have given our lives to Him, He has promised to forgive us and save us. The Bible says, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11–12, NKJV).
God cannot lie. Our feelings will lie to us, and Satan might even use them to trick us into thinking God has left us all alone. But we must always remember what Jesus said about Satan: “There is no truth in him. … He is a liar and the father of [lies]” (John 8:44, NKJV).
How wonderful it is to know that our faith is based on God’s truth and not on our feelings. We need to stay close to Him, read His Word, fellowship with Him through prayer, and thank Him for strengthening our faith.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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