I heard in my spirit that Anxiety and Depression are the results of an improper view of God or a lack of relationship with Him. Do we believe that God is good? (Psalm 100:5) Do we believe God is all Mighty? (Revelation 1:8) Do we believe that God has our best interest? (Jeremiah 29:11). These are just a few questions to ask ourselves when anxiety and depression sneak in.  

When it comes down to anxiety, is a lack of faith and trust in God when facing problems or, a lack of trust in God for his provision and protection to self and others. You worry, at times, for no reason, just after creating scenarios in your head that caused you to worry. 

When it comes down to Depression is a lack of hope; you hope for nothing, and you strive for nothing. The lack of hope is so extreme that you lose your purpose in life and, therefore, the desire to live. So, let’s start addressing anxiety first. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7,

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

The word Anxious is the Greek word merimnáō; “To be troubled, to take thought… to be anxious ahead of time.^[1]” Did you catch that? You are anxious ahead of time; you create scenarios in your head; you imagine the worse until anxiety consumes your soul. The answer to overcome anxiety is in these same verses: 1) Pray about everything you need and 2) Pray with an attitude of thanksgiving; in other words, as you pray for that thing you need, you are also reminded of the many blessings you already have. The result of these two steps is a) you will be blessed with the peace of God above all circumstances and 2) you enable God to guard your emotions and mindset.

The Bible connects depression and anxiety. In Proverbs 12:25 Salomon tells us, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (NKJV) Again, dealing with solutions; this verse gives us great advice: 3) Good words make the heart glad. You must surround yourself with folks who are there to encourage you and give you the Word. If you surround yourself with negativity that is exactly what you will REAP; do not expect a breakthrough.

As we deal with depression, this is an attack against life, which means that this is a direct attack against Jesus. Jesus stated that He is Life (John 14:26) Depression’s goal is suicide. As the person loses all hope, the person loses all purpose and reasons to live. Paul tells us in Colossians 1:7 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This portion of Scripture takes us to the final advice: 4) We must meditate on the hope of Glory; Jesus Christ our Lord and King.

^[1] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).