Why Depression Must Be Overturned, Not Dealt With

I love you. I am so sorry if you feel isolated, alone, and low. Depression is not a journey you walk alone, and my family and I want to partner with you and pray with you. Please email us, and let’s connect; reply to me below.

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Change the Language, Change the Outcome

This week, we’re covering a requested topic that sparked discussion behind the scenes. So, by the leading of the Holy Spirit and research, we pray this blog will open your eyes to overcome depression and see the spiritual aspect of depression. We pray this blog will be the first step to drawing you to the presence and power of Jesus Christ to overcome, overturn, and cancel out the spirit of depression.

I am not a doctor, licensed medical expert, or medical professional. The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.

Depression is not something we deal with—it’s something we overturn. We deal with customer service, not spiritual attacks. When you “deal” with something, you accommodate it. But when you handle it, you take authority over it. So, today, we come out of the mindset of “dealing with depression,” and we adopt the mentality of canceling out depression!

What does overturn mean?

The term “overturn” in the biblical context often refers to God’s sovereign ability to reverse, disrupt, or change the course of events, nations, or individuals according to His divine will and purpose.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (v. t.) To turn or throw from a basis, foundation, or position; to overset; as, to overturn a carriage or a building.

2. (v. t.) To subvert; to destroy; to overthrow.

3. (v. t.) To overpower; to conquer.

4. (n.) The act off overturning, or the state of being overturned or subverted; overthrow; as, an overturn of parties.

Depression is Not Welcome Here

What is depression? Depression is a mood disorder and/or a chemical imbalance, but it’s also a spirit.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Some Symptoms Are:

Loss of interest or pleasure in your activities
Weight loss or gain
Eating more or less than usual
Feeling sleepy all the time or having trouble falling asleep
Feeling restless and agitated, or very sluggish and physically or mentally slow
Being tired and without energy
Feeling worthless or overly guilty
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of suicide, attempting suicide, or having a plan to end your life

Depression comes to steal your joy; it comes to keep you in a prison of sadness and lowness. You may be doing all the natural things, taking antidepressants, or going to therapy, but have you tried taking authority spiritually?

The real truth is the enemy seeks to capitalize and take advantage of those low moments in your life. Well, how do I know this? The Bible.

A Few Verses That Come to Mind

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV)

Let’s be clear: Our intent is not to blame everything on the enemy but to acknowledge that an actual enemy seeks to destroy you through any means necessary and kill you. He wants to kill your identity, your destiny, your purpose, your calling, and anything that will advance the Kingdom of God.

Also, we are not saying stop the natural things, but to reaffirm that it’s okay to do all the things naturally, but you must add on the spiritual things. Get to the spiritual root of depression so that you will be SET FREE (John 8:31-32).

Where Does Depression Come From?

Depression is complex. No one knows the exact causes, but there are various reasons. It’s often said that depression is a result of chemical imbalance. Others may experience depression because of death, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and any form of trauma. One could come from a family history of depression. I want to encourage you that depression doesn’t have to be your story. You can overcome depression.

Depression is not a pet emotion or personality trait—it is of the enemy. The longer we let it sit, the more comfortable it becomes. Too often, we make what causes us pain feel welcome when we entertain it with our words, silence, or agreement. Too many of us have become comfortable with pain in our lives; we’ve been hurt so many times we don’t see any other way out; we take on the identity of pain and say, “This is just who I am.” What you don’t realize is that you begin to view life through the lens of your pain.

If you want to learn more about the different types of depression, you can read more here.

Words Have Power: The Tongue Sets the Tone

Are your words helping depression settle in or helping you evict it?

Your language can either make depression feel at home or cast it out. You have the power and authority to take back your life. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Today, right now, you are taking back your life with your tongue.

Make the decision today: Will you be held hostage by your words or set free by them?

Apply Pressure: Faith, Work, and Warfare

I want you to see how the Psalmist puts pressure on his spiritual depression.

Throughout Psalm 42 and Psalm 43:5, you can see this statement, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Let’s examine what’s happening with the writer struggling with spiritual depression. He is downcast. His soul is disturbed within him. Ungodly folks, deceitful and wicked people, surround him. The enemy oppresses him. This Psalm is so raw and authentic. We can all identify with the Psalmist here and admit that life is not easy. We face battles, opposition, and even depression.

This is where spiritual discipline comes in—you apply pressure:

Through dwelling and abiding in God’s Presence
Through declarations rooted in truth
Through routine and renewal of the mind
Through the practice of forgiveness

Please don’t take these as sound good sayings. If you begin to work the word of God in your life, I guarantee you will see results. The Word of God is not just something to say, and too often, we say things, but we don’t believe what we say, we don’t encounter His presence, and we don’t witness His Power move in our lives.

I want you to posture your heart and set your mind to genuinely turn to God. I want you to encounter joy in His presence; Joy and delight is found in Him (Psalm 36:8). Kenneth Ortiz gives this biblical definition I love “Joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us.”

My Real Life Struggle

I really struggled to find joy. I felt like I couldn’t hold on to happiness. It literally felt like it would come and go like a wave based on circumstances and situations. But here’s what God began to show me: my joy was tied to what my kids were doing “right,” and my happiness was connected to the outcomes. I had to take my joy out of those things and anchor it in Jesus instead.

In scripture, joy is a state of being, and it differs from happiness, which indeed may come and go. Our circumstances usually measure happiness, whereas joy is measured by what we have been given. Everything Jesus has done for us is ours; no one can take it away.

Here’s what I’m learning (and I mean this is unfolding in real-time): Even when I don’t want to do something, I do it anyway. I do it with every pain and feeling in my body because the enemy would love to keep me in isolation, separation, frustration, and sadness.

For trauma-based depression, forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s for you. When you hold on to unforgiveness, you hold the keys to your freedom. I want you to go through the process of forgiveness.

A few verses to consider, but there are plenty more: Ephesians 4:32, Mark 11:25, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 18:21-22, Matthew 6:14-15

Start Here: 3 Things to Do Right Now

Create a Worship Playlist.
- You can use this one here to start. Play the first song.
Change your routine. Everything you have done, erase it and create a new one from scratch.
- Start working out; move your body. I highly recommend finding an OrangeTheory near you because you don’t have to preplan a workout; you are in a group setting and are motivated by a coach.
Create a list of personal declarations. Through the words of faith and affirming truth, we will declare these things over your life. We are going to speak life until we see a move of God. We will continue to dwell and abide by these truths until they become reality.

Here’s The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

You don’t ignore depression—you confront it.

Like Jesus confronted the storm: speak to it.
Like Paul confronted the spirit of divination: cast it out.

Kill Depression with Truth, Not Comfort

The Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. Use it.

Jesus Himself didn’t have an easy life, but we witness Jesus use the Word of God. Jesus lived under the shadow of the cross. He knew that He was going to have to suffer. The Word of God should never be just words we say. They are the fountain of life for you (Proverbs 10:11). Trust His goodness, no matter what the situation is. What we need in our darkness is the presence of God.

Depression may come, but it doesn’t get to stay.

You put the work in to kill it—by refusing to let it rule, by stripping it of its dominance.

Final Call: Handle Depression with Authority

You already have the victory!

Don’t stop the natural things because they have their place but do your part spiritually. Get to the spiritual root of depression so that you will be SET FREE (John 8:31-32).

Don’t allow depression to become your identity; it’s an attack, and attacks are handled, not housed.

Walk in your authority. Change your language. Apply the pressure.

Again, I am sharing thoughts, experiences, and insights. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice that’s right for you.

5 Highly Recommended Podcast

How to help your depressed spouse? Practical tips for tough times

How to improve your mental health // How to know you are depressed

Recognizing and overcoming emotional hurt: steps to healing

How to deal with difficulties with Ken and Tab

Learning to forgive with Ken and Tab

Helpful Resources

Harvard Health Publishing Article: What causes depression?

WebMD: What Causes Depression?

WebMD: Types of Depression

What Is The Biblical Definition Of Joy? Examples & Importance

Thank You

We hope you loved exploring this topic with us. We pray it blessed you to surrender, dwell, and abide in God’s Presence. Now, it’s your turn; which question stood out most to you? Which one will you ask someone today? Drop a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

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