0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views93 pages

DEPRESSION - (Should A Believer Be Depressed) - S.T Akanwealth

Uploaded by

Biodun Elijah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views93 pages

DEPRESSION - (Should A Believer Be Depressed) - S.T Akanwealth

Uploaded by

Biodun Elijah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 93

Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Page | 1
S. T AKANWEALTH Ph.D
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

DEPRESSION
Should a Believer Be Depressed?

S. T AKANWEALTH Ph.D

Page | 2
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward

Introduction

Chapter 1: Understanding Depression:

Chapter 2: The Believer’s Identity

Chapter 3: Weapons of the Believer

Chapter 4: Overcoming Thoughts of


Hopelessness and Suicide

Chapter 5: Living in Perpetual Victory

Conclusion

Page | 3
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

FOREWARD
In a world where mental health battles are
progressively rampant, the question of whether
Believers should experience depression is both
timely and profound. Akanwealth Saturday
rummage into the variegated intersection of faith
and mental health, unturning the biblical perspective
on suffering, hope, and healing.

Through a thoughtful scrutiny of scripture and


personal chronicles, Saturday offers insights into the
nature of depression, its impact on Believers, and
the role of faith in coping with mental health
challenges.

By scouting the tensity between the promise of joy


in Christ and the reality of suffering, Saturday
provides a nuanced and compassionate perspective
on depression and its impact on believers. Whether
you're struggling with depression yourself or
seeking to support others, this book offers a message
of hope and redemption.

May this primer bring comfort, guidance, and


healing to those who read it, and may it point

Page | 4
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

readers to the hope and love of Christ in the midst of


darkness and struggle.

Professor Solomon Eleojo Omayiwa

Chancellor, DOXA INSTITUTE NIGERIA.

Page | 5
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

FOREWORD
There are books that inform, books that inspire, and
then there are books that transform, books so
anointed, so deeply rooted in divine truth, that they
don’t just change your thinking; they recalibrate
your mindset. Depression: Should a Believer Be
Depressed? by Pastor Akanwealth Saturday is such a
book.

As a fellow laborer in God’s vineyard and a lifelong


student of Scripture, I’ve encountered countless
teachings on mental and spiritual warfare. Yet few
works strike with the precision, authority, and
revelatory clarity of this one. Pastor Akanwealth
doesn’t merely describe the battle against depression,
he hands you the sword of the Spirit and trains you
to wield it with lethal accuracy.

What makes this book extraordinary is its divinely


creative balance of profound truth delivered with
radical simplicity. Like a master physician, Pastor
Akanwealth diagnoses depression’s spiritual roots
(anxiety, identity theft, and weaponized lies) and
prescribes the undiluted remedy, the Word of God.
Every chapter is a tactical strike against darkness,

Page | 6
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

proving Scripture isn’t just comforting; it’s


combative.

Pastor Akanwealth’s skill in disseminating sound


doctrine and shepherd’s heart pulse through every
page. His reverence for scripture is lavishly
inundated in every jot of this thoroughly written
body of work. This isn’t theory; it’s treatment.
You’ll find yourself underlining, shouting “Glory!”,
and repenting mid-chapter as the Holy Spirit
exposes areas where you’ve tolerated the enemy’s
lies.

If you’re weary of fleeting encouragement and


hungry for freedom, this book is your arsenal.
Depression isn’t your portion, joy unspeakable is (1
Peter 1:8). Read it, Fight with it, Then rise,
unshackled, and walk in the light of your victory.

To God be the glory for this strategic weapon


delivered to the Body of Christ.

Pastor Jaeh Williams


President
The Ark Movement Nigeria

Page | 7
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

REVIEW
“This transformative book is both timely and
necessary—a true lifeline for anyone navigating the
dark valley of depression. Rooted in scripture, the
author offers a faith-based roadmap that brings
clarity, comfort, and courage to those battling
emotional and mental heaviness.

Through sound biblical exposition and step-by-step


spiritual principles, the book explores what
depression is, how it often begins, and, most
importantly, how one can overcome it victoriously.
The author brings truth, hope, and healing through
the lens of God’s Word.

Whether you're personally struggling or supporting a


loved one through their journey, this book is a must-
read. It doesn’t just offer answers—it offers tools,
scriptures, and faith-filled guidance to walk in
lasting freedom and joy.”

Pastor Timothy Shunnom

Page | 8
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

INTRODUCTION

D
epression is a silent plague that has
swept across the world, leaving many
in despair, hopelessness, and even
contemplating ending their own lives. It is a
condition that has claimed the joy of multitudes,
including some within the body of Christ. But
should a believer in Christ Jesus be depressed?
Should you, as one who is seated with Christ in
heavenly places, ever succumb to the weight of
darkness, anxiety, or despair? The answer is a
resounding no!

The world has its definitions, explanations, and


justifications for depression, and while many
factors contribute to it, there is a greater truth
that transcends all human reasoning, the truth
found in God’s Word. You have not been called
to a life of fear, sorrow, or discouragement;
rather, you have been called to a life of joy,
peace, abundance, and fervency in spirit, serving
the Lord. Depression is not your portion, and it
is not God’s will for you.

Page | 9
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Before Depression Comes Anxiety

Long before depression takes full grip on the


soul, it often begins with anxiety; troubling
thoughts that weigh heavy on your heart,
uncertainties that torment your mind, and fears
that cripple your ability to move forward. This is
why the Word of God specifically instructs us
not to be anxious about anything.

Philippians 4:6-7 declares:

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by


prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known unto God. And
the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus." KJV

To be careful for nothing means to be anxious


for nothing. The believer is never supposed to be
overwhelmed by the cares of this life. Your
Father in heaven already knows your needs, your
struggles, and your pains. But He has not left

Page | 10
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

you helpless, He has given you prayer, the


ability to make your requests known unto Him.
The moment you shift your focus from the
problem to God through prayer, supplication,
and thanksgiving, His peace, which is beyond
human understanding, begins to guard your heart
and mind.

Depression thrives when anxiety is left


unchecked. The devil uses worries and fears as
doorways to afflict the believer’s mind. But you
have the power to shut that door permanently.
The key is to cast all your cares upon the Lord,
for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). The amplified
version put it this way;

Casting the whole of your care [all your


anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns,
once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you
affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
AMP

Do you just see that? Casting all your anxieties


on him? Now this is the reason why we should
cast our anxiety or worries on him.

Page | 11
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Verse 8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your


adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour: KJV

The devil is seeking for those who entertain


anxiety in their mind to devour because they are
not spiritually sensitive. So hence, you do not
have to entertain thoughts that lead to despair.
Instead, you can rest in the assurance that God is
always present, working all things together for
your good.

You Are Seated With Christ in Victory

Depression is not just a mental or emotional


battle; it is a spiritual one. The enemy seeks to
weigh you down with sorrow, but knowing your
reality in Christ renders his attempts futile. You
are not trying to gain victory over depression;
you already have victory! You are not struggling
to be delivered; you have already been delivered!
Your authority is found in where you are seated
i.e. with Christ Jesus in heavenly places.

Page | 12
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Ephesians 2:6 boldly states:

"And hath raised us up together, and made us


sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
KJV

This means that your perspective must change.


Depression is an attack on the mind, but your
life is hidden in Christ. You are above the
circumstances, above the lies of the enemy, and
above the burdens of this world. Your position
in Christ gives you dominion over every attack
on your mind. When you recognize this, you will
refuse to entertain feelings of despair. Instead,
you will rise with the joy of the Lord as your
strength.

The Christian life is not a life of gloom, sadness,


or endless struggles, it is a life of overflowing
joy, victory, and fervency in spirit. The devil
wants to deceive you into carrying burdens, but
the lord has already taken the burden upon him.
He made provision for us to walk in unshakable
joy and peace.

Page | 13
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Romans 12:11 instructs:

"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit;


serving the Lord." KJV

Fervency in spirit is your portion!

I love how the AMP version put it (Never lag in


zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and
burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.)

That's what kills depression by been aglow and


burning in the spirit. Depression seeks to kill
your zeal and make you spiritually stagnant, but
you must refuse to allow it. You were born to
shine, to rejoice, and to walk in purpose. This
book will show you how to access the scriptural
arsenals that guarantee victory over depression.
You will learn how to reject anxiety, embrace
the reality of your position in Christ, and live
with a sound mind, full of peace and joy.

You may have picked up this book because you


are battling depression or because you know
someone who is. Regardless of where you stand,
I need you to know this: God never intended for

Page | 14
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

you to live a life of sorrow. Depression is not


stronger than the life of God in you. The
enemy’s lies do not define you, God’s truth does.

As you go through this book, open your heart to


the liberating power of God’s Word. Every
chapter will equip you with the truth that will set
you free. By the time you reach the end, you will
see that you are already an overcomer and that
depression has no place in your life. You were
created for joy. You were designed for victory.
And as you embrace what God says about you,
you will walk in the light of His truth, free from
every shadow of despair.

Page | 15
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

CHAPTER ONE
UNDERSTANDING
DEPRESSION

D
epression is never the will of God for
you. It was never part of His plan, nor
is it something He has ordained for the
believer in Christ. You have absolutely nothing
to do with depression. The moment you received
salvation, you stepped into a new life, a life that
is governed by the divine realities of God’s
kingdom. In this kingdom, there is no place for
depression, anxiety, fear, or despair. Paul makes
this truth abundantly clear in 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new


creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new. And all things are
of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry
of reconciliation." KJV

This scripture is a declaration of your new


identity in Christ. Old things are passed away.
Page | 16
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Whatever defined your life before salvation,


whether it was depression, sorrow, fear, or
hopelessness, has no place in you anymore. Why?
Because the things you have received upon
salvation are of God.

Now, take a moment and think about that: What


you have now is of God. Is God depressed?
Does He sit in sorrow, overwhelmed by life’s
troubles? Does He go through phases of
discouragement, contemplating whether He can
handle the pressures of existence? Absolutely
not! God is full of joy, light, peace, and
dominion, and the scripture says all things you
have received are of God. Depression is not one
of those things. Therefore, you have no excuse
and no reason to be depressed!

This is the mindset you must cultivate. Many


believers have unconsciously accepted
depression as something normal, something to
be expected as part of life’s struggles. That is a
lie from the devil! Depression is not normal for
the man in Christ. It is an attack from the enemy,
a deception meant to make you forget who you

Page | 17
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

are in Christ. But as you stand on the truth of


God’s Word, you will see that you are above
depression, anxiety, and every force that seeks to
bring you down.

You Are One With the Lord

1 Corinthians 6:17 declares: "But he that is


joined unto the Lord is one spirit."

This scripture leaves no room for confusion, you


are one with God. Your spirit is not separate
from Him; it is not disconnected from His nature.
You have been joined with the Lord, meaning
that what is not in God cannot be in you!

Ask yourself: Is depression in God? No.

Is sorrow part of God’s nature? No.

Is God ever overwhelmed by circumstances? No.

If these things are not found in Him, they have


no right to be found in you! But here is the
problem: Many believers do not actively renew
their minds with this truth. Instead, they allow
wrong thoughts, wrong teachings, and wrong

Page | 18
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

influences to dictate their emotions. The devil


knows he cannot touch your spirit because it is
joined with the Lord, so he goes after your mind,
trying to make you accept feelings and
experiences that have no place in your new life.

This is why sound doctrine is vital. The reason


some believers struggle with depression is that
they do not sit under sound teachings that
reinforce their identity in Christ. They are
constantly fed earthly, carnal, and emotional
teachings rather than the unshakable truth of
God’s Word. If you do not continuously feed on
the right spiritual diet, your mind will be
vulnerable to deception. Depression thrives
where there is ignorance. But when you are
rooted in sound teaching, depression has no hold
on you.

Find a sound church, one that teaches the reality


of your identity in Christ. Surround yourself
with the Word of God. Fill your mind with truth.
When you do this, nothing earthly can shake you.
The world can lose its wealth, society can fall
apart, and circumstances can change, but you

Page | 19
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

will remain unmoved, unshaken, and filled with


joy!

The Difference Between the Man in Christ


and the Man in the World

The reason the worldly man is depressed is that


his entire life is ruled by the psychological realm.
His emotions, his sense of worth, and his
stability are dictated by; What he sees, What he
owns, What he can do and How others perceive
him. The secular man has no higher reality
governing his life. If his finances collapse, he
collapses with them. If his relationships fall
apart, his sense of identity crumbles. If he loses
his job, he spirals into despair. Everything about
him is dependent on what he can see and control.
This is why depression is so rampant in the
world, people are desperately trying to find
security in things that cannot sustain them!

1corenthians 2:9-14

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear


heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for

Page | 20
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

them that love him. But God hath revealed


them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of
God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the
world, but the spirit which is of God; that we
might know the things that are freely given to
us of God. Which things also we speak, not in
the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but
which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing
spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural
man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of
God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither
can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned. KJV

So the natural man or the man without the spirit


of God is not sensitive, and he is easily given to
depression given to the security of things that
cannot sustain him. Oh hallelujah! Because the
man in Christ is different.

Colossians 2:10 declares:

"And ye are complete in him, which is the head


of all principality and power." KJV

Page | 21
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

You are complete in Christ. Your completeness


is not in money. It is not in achievements. It is
not in how people perceive you. It is in Christ
and Christ alone. This means that nothing
external can ever define your joy, peace, or
stability. Your foundation is unshakable because
it is rooted in Christ. This is why the man in
Christ cannot be depressed. Depression comes
when you allow external factors to determine
your internal reality. But when you understand
that you are seated in Christ, complete in Him,
and one with God, depression loses its grip over
you.

Refuse to Give Room to the Devil

The devil has one strategy: to make you forget


who you are. He knows that as long as you keep
your eyes on the truth of God’s Word, you will
be unmovable. But if he can shift your focus to
the natural realm, he can manipulate your
emotions. This is why you must guard your
mind fiercely. You do not wait for depression to
come before you fight it. You saturate your mind
daily with the Word so that depression has no

Page | 22
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

room to even enter. The Word of God is your


defense, your weapon, and your shield.

Romans 12:2 says:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye


transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God." KJV

If you do not renew your mind with God’s truth,


the world will impose its system of thinking on
you. And the world’s system is broken, leading
only to sorrow and destruction. But when your
mind is renewed, you live above depression,
above sorrow, and above every trick of the
enemy!

Live in Your Divine Reality

You must settle it once and for all; depression


has no place in your life. The life of God in you
does not permit it. You are a new creature,
joined with the Lord, and complete in Christ.
The devil has no legal ground to afflict your
mind unless you let him. Guard your heart. Stay

Page | 23
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

under sound teachings. Refuse to let


circumstances dictate your emotions. The joy of
the Lord is your portion, and nothing in this
world can take that away from you. Stand in this
truth. Live in it. And watch as depression
disappears from your life forever.

There is a vast and undeniable difference


between the secular man and the believer in
Christ. The difference is not just in beliefs or
practices but in the very nature of their existence.
The secular man is governed, controlled, and led
by the physical senses. He operates based on
what he sees, hears, feels, and understands in the
natural. However, the believer in Christ is led by
the Spirit and lives by the divine realities of the
kingdom of God.

This difference is fundamental because it


determines the course of life each one follows.
The secular man is driven by the world, but the
believer is led by God. The secular man’s life is
dictated by earthly desires, whereas the
believer’s life is dictated by spiritual truth and
divine purpose.

Page | 24
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

The Secular Man is Blinded by the God of


This World

The Bible makes it clear that the secular man


does not operate in the light of God’s truth
because his mind has been blinded by the god of
this world.

2 Corinthians 4:4 says:

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded


the minds of them which believe not, lest the
light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them." KJV

The god of this world (Satan) has blinded the


secular man, meaning that he cannot see beyond
the physical realm. Everything he believes is
based on human reasoning, logic, and what
seems right in his own eyes. He is trapped in a
system that is entirely governed by deception.
Because of this blindness, the secular man
rejects the truth of the gospel. He cannot
comprehend the things of the Spirit because his
understanding is shaped by the fallen world

Page | 25
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

system. He follows a path that ultimately leads


to emptiness, dissatisfaction, and destruction.

The Secular Man Walks According to the


Course of This World

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of


the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto
him: neither can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned. KJV

The way of the secular man is outlined in


Ephesians 2:2-3:

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to


the course of this world, according to the
prince of the power of the air, the spirit that
now worketh in the children of disobedience:
among whom also we all had our conversation
in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling
the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and
were by nature the children of wrath, even as
others." KJV

Page | 26
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

This scripture reveals that the secular man


follows the course of this world, which means he
is led by a system that is he rooted in sin,
governed by lust and selfish desires, ruled by
Satan, the prince of the power of the air, and he
Focused on fulfilling the cravings of the flesh.
The secular man does what he feels is right, even
when it goes against God’s will. He lives for
himself, seeking personal gratification, power,
wealth, and success at any cost. Yet, despite his
efforts, he is never satisfied.

The Secular Man Is Never Satisfied

One of the defining characteristics of the secular


man is insatiability. No matter how much he gets,
he always wants more. He pursues wealth, fame,
power, relationships, and material possessions,
believing that these things will bring him
happiness, yet he remains empty.

Why? Because true satisfaction does not come


from external things, it comes from God.

This lack of satisfaction often leads to frustration


and depression. When the secular man cannot

Page | 27
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

get what he wants, he begins to feel worthless


and purposeless. Depression sets in because his
identity is tied to things that are temporary and
unstable. He does not have an anchor for his soul,
so when life’s storms come, he is overwhelmed.
This is not so for you as a believer.

The Believer in Christ: Led by God and


Fulfilled in Him

Unlike the secular man, the believer is not


controlled by the senses but led by the Spirit.
Your identity is not defined by the world but by
who you are in Christ. You have God’s nature in
you, which means your life is not governed by
lust, selfishness, or material pursuits. You are
led by God, and that makes all the difference.

Romans 8:14 says:

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,


they are the sons of God." KJV

The background to this text speaks of salvation


as being led. Because you are led by the Spirit:
You do not live for earthly things, YOU are not

Page | 28
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

driven by carnal desires, YOU have self-control,


YOU are content in God and YOU live with
divine purpose and eternal focus.

Godliness with Contentment: Your Key to True


Gain

Unlike the secular man who is always chasing


more, you have contentment in Christ. The Bible
says in 1 Timothy 6:6:

And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit,


for godliness accompanied with contentment
(that contentment which is a sense of inward
sufficiency) is great and abundant gain. AMP

Contentment is not laziness or lack of ambition,


it is a spiritual stability that makes you unshaken
by circumstances. It means that no matter what
happens, you remain joyful, fulfilled, and at
peace, because your security is in Christ, not in
things.

You do not have a reason to be depressed


because you are complete in Christ (Colossians
2:10)

Page | 29
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

You have the joy of salvation Psalm 51:12 said:


Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and
uphold me with thy free spirit. KJV

In the old testament it was a prayer point to them


but in the new testament is now our reality we
have the joy of salvation, follow me carefully.
You are satisfied with what God provides
(Philippians 4:11-13: Not that I speak in respect
of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state
I am, therewith to be content. I know both how
to be abased, and I know how to abound:
everywhere and in all things I am instructed
both to be full and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need. I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me. KJV)

The context of this scripture is contentment, that


is what Paul meant when he said " I can do all
things through Christ that strengthened me"
meaning I have learned to be contented through
Christ that strengthened me, because I have
learned how to abound and to be abase, you have
self-control and discipline (Galatians 5:22-

Page | 30
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

23:But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,


longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith KJV)

The Secular Man Lacks the Joy of Salvation

One major difference between the secular man


and the believer is joy. The secular man can be
happy when things go well, but when troubles
come, he has no inner strength to sustain him.
His happiness is dependent on circumstances,
but the believer’s joy is rooted in Christ.

Psalm 16:11 says

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy


presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand
there are pleasures for evermore." KJV

Because you have the presence of God in you,


joy is your natural state. You are not moved by
circumstances, and no situation can steal your
joy.

Page | 31
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

The Believer Has Sound Teaching and a


Strong Foundation

Another difference is that the believer feeds on


the Word of God and is established in sound
doctrine. You are not like the secular man who is
carried away by every wind of opinion. You are
grounded in truth, and that keeps you focused,
stable, and unshaken.

Matthew 7:24-25 says:

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of


mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a
wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
and the rain descended, and the floods came,
and the winds blew, and beat upon that house;
and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
KJV

Because you are established in sound doctrine:

You remain strong in trials

You have a clear sense of direction

You are not moved by worldly trends

Page | 32
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

You grow in wisdom and spiritual strength

The secular man is lost, empty, and ruled by his


senses. He is never satisfied, lacks contentment,
and is blinded by the god of this world. He is
constantly chasing what can never fulfill him.

But you, as a believer, are different!

You are led by God

You are complete in Christ

You have contentment and joy

You are grounded in truth

You live a life of self-control and divine purpose

Refuse to think, act, or live like the secular man.


Walk in your identity in Christ. Stand firm in the
truth of the Word, and live a life that reflects the
power, joy, and satisfaction that only God can
give.

Page | 33
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

CHAPTER TWO
THE BELIEVER’S IDENTITY

A
s a believer in Christ, you are not
ordinary. You are not a mere human
trying to navigate through life with its
struggles, fears, and limitations. You are of God,
born from above, and have overcome those who
are in and of the world. The world’s limitations
have no hold over you because you are not in the
kingdom of men, nor are you subjected to the
dictates of circumstances and depression. You
are in the Kingdom of God, seated far above all
principalities, powers, and every force of
darkness that attempts to exalt itself against you.

I feel like shouting because you, the believer,


have overcome them all! You have overcome
the world! You have overcome depression! You
have overcome fear and oppression! You are
victorious, not by your power, but by the
finished work of Christ. The revelation of your
position in Christ is key to your dominion over
the forces of darkness. Ephesians 2:6 declares:
Page | 34
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

"And hath raised us up together, and made us


sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
KJV

This means you are not struggling to get victory;


you are already victorious! You are seated with
Christ far above all demonic oppression,
principalities, sicknesses, lack, depression, and
fear. This position is not just a theological
statement, it is your present reality. Many
believers still live as though they are under the
dominion of the enemy because they have not
fully embraced their identity in Christ. The
enemy works overtime to keep believers
ignorant of their authority because a believer
who does not know his position will live as a
slave, even though he is a king.

Recognizing depression

Depression is not just an emotional or mental


state; it is a principality. It is one of the weapons
the enemy uses to suppress the believer’s joy
and dominion. But the good news is that Christ
has already conquered it!

Page | 35
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Colossians 2:9-10 says:

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the


Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him,
which is the head of all principality and power.
KJV

Did you see that? You are complete in Christ.


You lack nothing! The devil wants you to
believe you are broken, helpless, and insufficient.
But that is a lie! You are whole, victorious, and
triumphant in Christ.

Colossians 2:13-15 further reinforces our victory:

[God] DISARMED the principalities and


powers that were ranged against us and made a
bold display and public example of them, in
triumphing over them in Him and in it [the
cross]. AMP:

Jesus has disarmed principalities and powers.


The devil has been publicly humiliated and
stripped of his power. As one of the ministers in
our church would fondly say, "Defeated" means
the devil has no feet, and "disarmed" means he

Page | 36
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

has no arms." That means he has no feet to run


towards you and no arms to hold you! That’s
humorous, but it is the reality: Satan is
powerless against you unless you give him
power through ignorance and fear.

Philippians 2:9-10

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,


and given him a name which is above every
name: That at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth. KJV

Since you are seated with Christ, it means you


also share in this dominion! The name of Jesus
is above depression, above fear, above sickness,
above lack, above every evil power! When you
speak in His name, the forces of darkness have
no choice but to bow!

Refuse to Think Like the World

One major difference between the believer and


the world is mindset, aside salvation they don't
possess. Many believers have been conditioned

Page | 37
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

to think like victims, constantly fighting battles


that Jesus already won!

Romans 12:2 commands us:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye


transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God."

This means that even though you are seated


above all, your mind must align with this truth.
You must refuse thoughts of fear, failure, and
defeat. Your identity is not a struggling Christian
trying to make it through life, your identity is a
reigning king in Christ!

Walk in the Reality of Your Position

Now that you know you are seated with Christ,


how should you live?

Speak Like a King. Kings do not beg; they


decree. Proverbs 18:21 says:

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue:


and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Page | 38
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Speak words of victory! Declare your dominion


over fear, depression, and oppression.

The moment you begin to feel overwhelmed,


remind yourself of where you are seated. Speak
out loud: "I am seated with Christ above this
situation! I am victorious!" When you recognize
an attack from the enemy, command it to leave
in the name of Jesus. The forces of darkness
cannot withstand the power of His name.

You are not beneath circumstances; you are


above them! Walk in confidence, knowing that
everything that happens in your life is under
your dominion in Christ. Do not entertain
conversations or teachings that contradict your
identity in Christ. Surround yourself with people
who affirm your position in Christ and
encourage you to walk in it.

Your identity is not one of struggle but of


dominion. You are seated far above all
principalities and powers. Depression has no
power over you. Fear has no authority over you.
The devil is defeated and disarmed. Refuse to

Page | 39
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

see yourself as a struggling Christian. Refuse to


think like the world. Walk in your victory!
Speak your dominion. Live with the
consciousness of your authority.

You are seated with Christ, reigning with Him,


and victorious over all.

Victory Over Darkness: Far Above


Principalities and Powers

As a believer in Christ, you must never forget


that you have already been positioned in a place
of absolute victory over darkness. Elijah said to
his servant Elisha in the Old Testament, "They
that are with us are more than they that are with
them." Even when Elisha could not see beyond
the natural, Elijah assured him of a greater
reality, one where the hosts of heaven vastly
outnumber the forces of darkness. That reality
remains true for you today, only now you have
an even greater advantage: you are in Christ, and
you are seated with Him in heavenly places, far
above all principalities and powers.

Page | 40
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Darkness is of the devil, and everything that


stems from darkness, including depression,
oppression, fear, and confusion, has no legal
right over you. Depression is not for you; it is a
weapon of the enemy, a scheme to keep you
from walking in the fullness of your divine
inheritance. But the good news is this: you have
victory over all the power of the enemy (Luke
10:19). Nothing that is not from your Father can
have dominion over you.

You must understand that the enemy thrives in


deception. He seeks to magnify problems, make
situations appear overwhelming, and plant
thoughts that contradict your identity in Christ.
But you are not small. You are not weak. You
are a son of the Most High, full of the Spirit, full
of light, and full of divine authority. Depression
has no place in your life because you are filled
with the joy of the Lord.

Scripture says in John 1:5, "And the light shineth


in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it
not." This means that when light appears,
darkness has no choice but to flee. And guess

Page | 41
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

what? You are the light of the world! (Matthew


5:14). This means depression, fear, anxiety, and
every work of darkness cannot stay where you
are. The darkness of the enemy cannot withstand
the light that is in you.

You must understand that your presence alone


dispels darkness. Where you stand, God stands.
You are a walking carrier of divine presence.
When you show up, light shows up, and the
enemy must retreat. This is why you must never
allow anything to make you feel lesser than who
you truly are in Christ. You Have Authority
Over Principalities and Powers

Ephesians 2:6

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit


together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
KJV

The amplified said; And He raised us up


together with Him and made us sit down
together [giving us joint seating with Him] in
the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in

Page | 42
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One)


AMP

God has "raised us up together, and made us sit


together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Where are you seated? Far above all
principalities and powers. Depression is a
principality. Anxiety is a principality. Every
form of mental oppression is part of the kingdom
of darkness, and you are seated far above them
all.

Colossians 2:9-15 also confirms this when it


says that Christ has "spoiled principalities and
powers, he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it." The enemy is
defeated, disarmed, and publicly humiliated.
You do not need to fear him; he fears you. You
must begin to walk with the consciousness that
the devil is not on your level.

You are royalty. You have authority. You have


dominion. Why should you ever allow
depression to get a hold of you? A king does not
beg for his rights; he walks in them. You are a

Page | 43
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

king and priest unto God (Revelation 1:6KJV:


And hath made us kings and priests unto God
and his Father; to him be glory and dominion
forever and ever. Amen).

You must square your shoulders, lift your head,


and walk in the full reality of who you are. You
are more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37).
Kings do not live in fear of the enemy. Kings
rule! You do not need to be afraid of demonic
oppression, fear, or anxiety. Darkness does not
rule over you; you rule over darkness. You
decree, and it is established. When the enemy
tries to whisper lies into your mind, you speak
the Word. When he tries to weigh you down,
you rejoice in the Lord. This is how you resist
the enemy, and he will flee from you by
submitting your self to God and also by
renewing your mind

James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God.


Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. KJV

The Devil Is Defeated; He Has No Power Over


You

Page | 44
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Colossians 2:13-15 makes it clear that Christ has


already done the work. He has disarmed
principalities and powers and made an open
show of them. One of the ministers in our church
(Min. Frederick) often humorously puts it this
way: Defeated means “no feet,” and disarmed
means “no arms.” That means the devil has no
feet to run towards you and no arms to hold you.
He is powerless against you unless you give him
an entrance through ignorance and fear.

If the enemy has no feet to chase you, why


should you be running from him? If he has no
arms to hold you down, why should you feel
trapped? The truth is, he has been utterly
stripped of power, and now all he has are lies
and deception. Do not believe his lies. You are
victorious! You are far above principalities and
powers. You Are Wonderfully Made, A
Masterpiece of God

Page | 45
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Ephesians 2:10:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ


Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them. KJV

You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ


Jesus for good works. You are not an accident.
You are not a mistake. You are a divine
masterpiece, crafted for victory, joy, and
fulfillment in life. The kingdom of darkness
recognizes who you are and trembles before you.
Demons flee when you speak. Depression
vanishes when you take your stand. You must
refuse to allow anything that is not from God to
stay in your life. If depression tries to come,
reject it in the name of Jesus. If fear tries to enter,
cast it out! You are above all these things. You
are superior to them in Christ. Walk in this
reality.

You are victorious over darkness. You are far


above all principalities and powers. You are the
light of the world. The enemy has no dominion
over you. Depression has no place in your life.

Page | 46
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

From today forward, refuse to see yourself as


weak, defeated, or vulnerable. You are a
conqueror, a champion, and an overcomer. Walk
with your head held high, with the consciousness
that you are seated in Christ. Speak the Word.
Declare your victory. Let the devil know that
you are not one of those he can toy with. You
have won already, now live like it.

Let this revelation sink deep into your spirit:


You have dominion over all the power of
darkness. You are far above all principalities and
powers. Victory is your birthright. Depression is
not your portion. Walk in your divine authority!

Page | 47
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

CHAPTER THREE
WEAPONS OF THE
BELIEVER

A
s a believer in Christ, you are not left
defenseless against the attacks of the
enemy, including depression. God has
equipped you with powerful spiritual weapons to
maintain your victory. Ephesians 6:10-20 gives
us a strong exhortation to be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might. This means you
are not fighting with your own strength, but with
His might. Who can stand against God? If you
stand in His might, depression has no foothold in
your life.

Ephesians 6:11

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may


be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
KJV

Page | 48
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Scripture instructs us to put on the whole armour


of God so that we may stand firm against the
wiles of the devil. This includes:

The Belt of Truth – Knowing the truth of God’s


Word protects you from deception and keeps
your mind steady.

The Breastplate of Righteousness – Your


righteousness in Christ is not based on feelings
but on your position in Him. Condemnation and
guilt cannot have a hold on you.

The Gospel of Peace – Your steps are ordered in


the peace of God, and nothing can steal your joy.

The Shield of Faith – With faith, you extinguish


every fiery dart of doubt, fear, and anxiety.

The Helmet of Salvation – Your identity in


Christ is secure. You are saved, redeemed, and
victorious.

The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God is


your offensive weapon. It is sharper than any
two-edged sword and cuts down the lies of the
enemy.

Page | 49
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Praying Always – Your legal access to divine


strength and victory.

Do you know what you have in Christ? Have


you taken the time to meditate on it? When you
do, victory and success will manifest in your life,
just as Paul admonished Timothy. Meditation is
not merely thinking; it is dwelling on the Word
of God, speaking it to yourself, and allowing it
to informed your mind.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy


mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and
night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt
make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt
have good success. Joshua 1:8KJV

Meditate on the Word day and night to get your


mind fill with your realities. This text is for a
Man Of God, a minister in Christ, and that's who
you are. Your success is proven in your sound
decision making via the word. That's the context,
and not earthly success or material acquisition,
but by skillfully using the word to have godly

Page | 50
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

results in and with your mind. Depression


thrives in an idle and confused mind, but when
your mind is fixed on God’s Word, the light of
truth drives out every shadow of darkness.

Speaking faith-filled words is vital. Your words


shape your reality. Proverbs 18:21 says that
death and life are in the power of the tongue.
You must declare:

"I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!"

"I refuse to be depressed!"

"I have joy unspeakable and full of glory!"

"The greater One lives in me, and I have


overcome the world!"

Keep speaking and never stop affirming your


realities in Christ. Soon, depression will know
that it has no place in your life.

Romans 8:6 says that to be carnally minded is


death, but to be spiritually minded is life and
peace. When you walk in the Spirit, your mind is
renewed daily, and you operate from a place of

Page | 51
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

victory, not defeat. Depression belongs to the


fleshly realm, but you are in the Spirit, and the
Spirit gives you life.

Philippians 4:6-7: Be careful for nothing; but in


everything by prayer and supplication WITH
THANKSGIVING let your requests be made
known unto God. And the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. KJV

Note the word "with Thanksgiving" is not


talking about praise and worship song, but rather
it was talking about speaking and declaring what
Christ has done in his death, burial and
Resurrection. Verse 6 commands us to be
anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving, make our
requests known to God. Thanksgiving shifts
your focus from problems to God’s goodness. A
grateful heart cannot be a depressed heart. Begin
to thank God daily for who He is, what He has
done, and what He will continue to do.

Page | 52
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Depression is not your portion. You have


powerful weapons in Christ; His Word, prayer,
faith, meditation, confession, and thanksgiving.
Stand firm in your identity, use your weapons,
and walk in victory. You are far above
principalities, powers, and depression. Keep
your head high, shoulders squared, and walk like
the king that you are in Christ Jesus.

The Power of the Word, Prayer, and


Fellowship

The Word of God is not just a collection of


hallowed writings; it is the divine arsenal given
to you as a believer to rule and reign in life.
Depression, at its root, is a battle of the mind,
and the mind functions on thoughts. However,
thoughts cannot address thoughts. You do not
counteract a negative or depressive thought by
merely thinking a positive one. Instead, you
displace it with spoken words, and not just any
words, but the living, active, and powerful Word
of God.

Page | 53
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

The Word is God’s creative tool; it is what He


used to bring the world into existence (Genesis
1:3JV: And God said, Let there be light: and
there was light.)

If God Himself used His Word to create and


establish reality, how much more should you,
made in His image, use His Word to shape your
own reality? The enemy thrives on deception,
feeding the mind with lies and distortions to
make you feel helpless and hopeless. But the
Word of God is truth, and it dismantles every
falsehood of the enemy.

When depressive thoughts attempt to infiltrate


your mind, you must respond the way Jesus did
when the devil tempted Him—by declaring, It is
written (Matthew 4:4KJV: But he answered and
said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of
the mouth of God.

Proverbs 18:21

Page | 54
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,


and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of
it [for death or life].

Speak victory. Affirm what God has said about


you: I am the righteousness of God in Christ (2
Corinthians 5:21 KJV: For he hath made him to
be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in him.

I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16


KJV: For who hath known the mind of the Lord,
that he may instruct him? But we have the mind
of Christ.)

I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37 KJV:


Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us).

The more you confess the Word, the more it


renews your mind and aligns your thoughts with
divine truth.

Prayer is not a ritual; it is your direct line of


communication with God, your supernatural
means of enforcing divine realities on the earth.

Page | 55
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Depression cannot thrive in a prayerful life


because prayer is an act of faith. When you pray,
you acknowledge that you are not self-sufficient
but are totally dependent on God. Prayer aligns
you with divine strength, ensuring that whatever
burdens your heart are lifted unto God, who
cares for you

1 Peter 5:7; Casting the whole of your care [all


your anxieties, all your worries, all your
concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He
cares for you affectionately and cares about
you watchfully. AMP

The Bible says, be careful for nothing; but in


everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God (Philippians 4:6). Before depression
sets in, there is anxiety. But the Word instructs
you not to be anxious. Instead, you should take
everything to God in prayer. Depression is too
small to rule over a believer who understands the
power of prayer. In prayer, you cast down every
imagination that exalts itself against the
knowledge of Christ

Page | 56
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations,


and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of
Christ. KJV

One of the greatest tactics of the enemy is


isolation. When a believer is isolated, he
becomes an easy target for the enemy’s
deception. But in prayer, you are never alone.
The Spirit of God intercedes for you (Romans
8:26), strengthening you, guiding you, and
filling you with peace. A prayerful life is a
powerful life, and where there is power,
depression has no place.

The final weapon against depression is


fellowship. Hebrews 10:25KJV: Not forsaking
the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.

Depression often thrives in isolation, but when


you are surrounded by Spirit-filled believers, it

Page | 57
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

is impossible for depression to survive. You are


called to function in the body of Christ. God
designed you for a family or community, for
mutual edification and encouragement. When
you consistently gather with believers who are
full of faith, who declare the Word boldly, who
walk in the Spirit, and who remind you of your
realities in Christ, you remain spiritually charged.
The Bible says, Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man
sharpeneth the countenance of his friend
(Proverbs 27:17)

Fellowship is also a place of impartation. When


you worship corporately, when you hear the
Word corporately, and when you engage in
collective prayer, you receive a divine boost that
isolates and expels every depressive thought.
The atmosphere of faith created in a faith-filled
gathering dismantles every stronghold of the
enemy. The world isolates, but the church unites.
The world weakens, but believers fellowship
strengthens. When you are constantly in the
presence of God’s people, depression loses its
grip on you.

Page | 58
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Your life as a believer is a life of joy, strength,


and victory. Depression is not your portion. You
have the weapons; the Word, prayer, and
fellowship, to ensure that it never finds a resting
place in your life. Engage the Word daily, speak
it boldly, meditate on it deeply. Pray without
ceasing. Surround yourself with faith-filled
believers. You are not meant to walk this
journey alone.

Rise up! Take authority over your mind. The


devil has lost. Darkness has no power over you.
Walk in your victory, for you are seated with
Christ far above all principalities and powers.
Depression has no place in your life. You are of
God, and you have overcome!

Page | 59
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

CHAPTER FOUR
OVERCOMING THOUGHTS
OF HOPELESSNESS AND
SUICIDE

T
he statistical rate of suicide is on the
increase every day. People are taking
their own lives for reasons that could
have been overcome if they had met the right
person, read the right books, received better
counsel, or belonged to a sound local church.
But because none of these vital influences were
available to them, they made a tragic decision.
This is truly heartbreaking.

Taking your own life should never be an option.


It should never even be a thought that you allow
into your mind. Life is precious, and there is so
much that can be achieved when you are
properly guided, when you plan well, and when
you listen to the right teachings. The enemy
thrives on deception, making you believe that
there is no way out. But that is a lie. There is
Page | 60
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

always a way out because Jesus is the Way, the


Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

Suicide Is an Act of Selfishness

Do you realize that anyone who has ever


committed suicide was being extremely selfish
in that moment? Only selfish people take their
own lives. It means that they were not thinking
about their family, their loved ones, their church,
their community, their classmates, their
colleagues, or their teammates. They never cared
about how their decision would affect those who
love them. That is not of God but of the devil.
Satan wants to isolate you, deceive you, and
push you into despair so that you forget the
value of your existence.

If you are battling suicidal thoughts, you need to


understand that you are not alone. You have
people who care about you, even if you don’t
feel it at the moment. Your life matters. The pain
you are feeling is temporary, but the
consequences of taking your life are permanent.

Page | 61
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Suicide is never the answer. Instead, it reveals a


lack of understanding about who you are in
Christ. Only those who are ignorant, deceived,
and blinded by the devil believe that suicide is a
solution. But glory to God, you are none of those
things! You are a man or woman in Christ, full
of power, full of the knowledge of God, and
therefore, you can conquer whatever life throws
at you.

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what is the


riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE
HOPE OF GLORY. KJV

It tells you that Christ in you is the hope of glory.


That means there is always hope. No matter
what situation you face, you are never without
hope because Jesus lives in you. The devil wants
you to believe that there is no way out, but that
is because he is the father of lies (John 8:44).
Your circumstances do not define you—God’s
Word does! And His Word says that you are

Page | 62
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). His Word


says that He has plans for you, plans to give you
a future and a hope

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward


you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not
of evil, to give you an expected end. His Word
says that He will never leave you nor forsake
you. KJV

(Hebrews 13:5 KJV: Let your conversation be


without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never
leave thee, nor forsake thee).

The reality of who you are in Christ should


shape your thoughts and decisions. Depression
and hopelessness are of the devil, but you are not
of the devil—you are of God. The Bible says in
2 Corinthians 5:17 that you are a new creation,
and old things have passed away. That means
whatever lies the enemy has been telling you
must be cast down immediately. You are seated
with Christ in heavenly places, far above all

Page | 63
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

principalities, powers, depression, and every


negative force (Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us
up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus:

Victory Over Hopelessness

The battlefield is in your mind, and the only way


to win is by renewing it with the Word of God
(Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God).

Thoughts of hopelessness must be confronted


with God’s truth. You don’t fight thoughts with
thoughts; you fight them with the Word of God
spoken out loud.

When negative thoughts come, declare: I am full


of life and purpose. God has a plan for me, and I
will fulfill it.

Prayer is a powerful tool to keep you aglow.


Prayer allows you to cast your burdens upon the

Page | 64
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Lord, knowing that He cares for you (1 Peter


5:7).

When you feel overwhelmed, pray in the Spirit


and remind yourself of God’s promises.
Ignorance is dangerous. The enemy loves to
attack those who are unaware, just as a predator
hunts its prey when the prey doesn’t know which
and which to be avoided. Get plugged into a
faith-filled church where you will constantly
receive sound teaching and encouragement.
Have godly mentors and friends who will uplift
you and remind you of your identity in Christ.

Your words have power (Proverbs 18:21). Speak


life, not death.

Every morning, declare: I am blessed, I am


loved, I am full of joy, and I have a glorious
future. Glory to God! Do not allow the enemy’s
lies to become your reality. Replace them with
the truth of God’s Word.

God created you with a purpose. You are not an


accident. Even if circumstances around you
seem dark, God has a plan that is greater than

Page | 65
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

anything you can imagine. If you ever feel like


you are at the end of your rope, remind yourself
that God is not done with you yet.

When Elijah was depressed and wanted to die,


God sent an angel to strengthen him and give
him food

1 Kings 19:4-8:

While he himself went a day’s journey into the


wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down
under it and prayed that he might die. “I have
had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I
am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay
down under the bush and fell asleep. All at
once an angel touched him and said, “Get up
and eat.” He looked around, and there by his
head was some bread baked over hot coals, and
a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay
down again. The angel of the Lord came back a
second time and touched him and said, “Get up
and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened
by that food, he traveled forty days and forty

Page | 66
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of


God. NIV

Did u see that God did not allow him to give up


because there was more ahead for him? If you
feel weary, know that God is sending you help.
You are not alone.

The story of Job is another reminder that no


matter how dark things seem, God can restore
everything. Job lost everything—his children,
his wealth, his health, but because he trusted
God, his latter days were greater than his former
(Job 42:10). That same God is your God. Your
latter days will be greater.

You are not hopeless. You are full of life, full of


destiny, and full of purpose. You are not a
victim; you are a victor. Depression and suicide
are tools of the enemy, but they have no hold
over you because you belong to Christ. If you
ever struggle with thoughts of hopelessness, do
not stay silent. Reach out for help. Talk to your
pastor, a trusted friend, or a counselor. Most

Page | 67
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

importantly, go to the Word of God and remind


yourself who you are.

You are loved. You are valued. You are


important. And you have an assignment that no
one else can fulfill. Rise up in faith, take hold of
the Word, stay connected in prayer, and
surround yourself with the right people. Victory
is yours in Christ. Christ in you is the hope of
glory—never forget that!

THE INDWELLING SPIRIT

Life presents many challenges, and at times, it


can seem as though everything is closing in on
you. Unpaid house rent, children's school fees,
feeding, marriage crises, the high cost of
living—these pressures can mount up and
gradually push you toward the path of
depression. But hear this: You have the
indwelling of the Spirit. You are not alone in this
battle, and you are not left to your own strength.
The Holy Spirit within you is your divine
assurance, your strength, and the power that
keeps you moving forward.

Page | 68
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

The presence of the Holy Spirit in you is not for


decoration, it is your advantage in life. Jesus told
His disciples in John 14:16-17 that He would
send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to abide in
them forever. This same Spirit is in you today
and now. You are not left defenseless against the
trials of life. You have a Helper who strengthens
you beyond natural limitations.

Depression and frustration come when a man


tries to handle life's struggles on his own, relying
on human wisdom and strength. But as a
believer, you have supernatural backing. You are
not ordinary; you have a divine force at work
within you. Ephesians 3:16 says that you are
strengthened with might by His Spirit in the
inner man. That means you are not weak, you
are not helpless, and you are not a victim of
circumstances.

There is something about the Spirit of God in


you that makes you unstoppable. When others
crumble under the weight of life's pressures, you
stand strong because your strength is not from
yourself but from the Almighty.

Page | 69
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Isaiah 40:29-31;

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that


have no might he increaseth strength. Even the
youths shall faint and be weary, and the young
men shall utterly fall, But they that wait upon
the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not
faint. KJV

It says that God gives power to the faint and


increases strength to those who have no might.
This is your reality! Even in the face of
seemingly insurmountable challenges, you keep
going because the Spirit in you is energizing and
empowering you.

Consider the Apostle Paul. He went through


intense trials—shipwrecks, beatings, hunger,
betrayals—yet he never gave up. Why? Because
he was strengthened by the Spirit of God within
him (Philippians 4:13I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me).

Page | 70
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

No situation was strong enough to break him,


and that same Spirit resides in you today.

One of the major ways the Holy Spirit keeps you


going is by renewing your mind. Romans 12:2
instructs you not to conform to the world but to
be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
This transformation happens when you allow the
Spirit to take control of your thoughts, replacing
fear and doubt with faith and confidence.

Depression often begins in the mind. Thoughts


of failure, hopelessness, and despair weigh
heavily on many, causing them to sink into deep
emotional distress. But the Spirit of God in you
gives you a different perspective. He reminds
you of your victory in Christ, your identity as an
overcomer, and your divine assignment in this
world. You are not just struggling through life;
you are fulfilling God’s purpose! When this
reality dawns on you, giving up ceases to be an
option.

There are moments when you may feel


physically, emotionally, or even spiritually

Page | 71
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

drained. You may wonder if you have what it


takes to keep moving forward. But this is where
the Spirit of God shines the brightest! Paul
declared in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 that God’s
strength is made perfect in weakness. When you
acknowledge your human limitations, you
position yourself to receive divine strength.

You do not have to carry the weight of life’s


burdens alone. Jesus already made provision for
you. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said: Come
unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
KJV

He invites you to cast your burdens upon Him


and take His yoke, which is easy and light. The
Holy Spirit is the strength that helps you
exchange your struggles for God’s peace, your
weakness for His strength, and your despair for
His joy.

Page | 72
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

The Power of Prayer and the Word

One of the greatest ways to activate the strength


of the Holy Spirit is through prayer and the
Word of God. Prayer is the divine exchange
where you release your burdens and receive
God’s strength. When you pray, you invite the
Spirit to take over, and He does so mightily!

Likewise, the Word of God is a reservoir of


divine energy. Jeremiah 15:16 says, "Thy words
were found, and I did eat them; and thy word
was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine
heart." The more you feed on God’s Word, the
more you draw from His limitless strength. You
will find that situations that once seemed
unbearable become stepping stones to greater
victories.

Keep Your Eyes on the Reward

More so, understand that the challenges of life


are temporary, but your victory is eternal. Paul
said in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 KJV: For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh

Page | 73
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight


of glory;

Our light affliction is but for a moment and


works for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory. When you go through tough
times, remind yourself that it is temporary. You
are not stuck; you are passing through, and on
the other side, there is glory waiting for you.

The Holy Spirit in you is the assurance that you


are never defeated. No matter what comes your
way, you have the strength to keep going. So
rise up! Square your shoulders, lift your head,
and walk in the victory that is yours. The Spirit
of God is in you—guiding, strengthening, and
empowering you daily. You will not give up.
You will not be depressed. You will not be
defeated. You have the strength to keep going!

Page | 74
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

CHAPTER FIVE
LIVING IN PERPETUAL
VICTORY

T
he believer’s life is not a life of failure
but one of consistent success. There is
no failure on your path at all because
even the Scriptures declare that you are more
than a conqueror (Romans 8:37; Nay, in all
these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us KJV).

This means that in Christ, you do not just win


battles—you live in victory! Your life is not a
struggle for victory; rather, you operate from a
place of victory. The victory Christ secured is
not partial or temporary; it is eternal, complete,
and unshakable.

The Bible declares, “AS HE IS, SO ARE WE


IN THIS WORLD” (1 John 4:17). Notice, it
does not say, “As He was”—which would have
been enough, given all the mighty works Jesus
did in the flesh—but rather, “As He is” now in
Page | 75
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

His glorified body, full of power, dominion, and


authority, so are you in this world. This means
that your life is designed to mirror the victorious
life of Christ. Nothing missing, nothing broken!
You must refuse to live contrary to this reality.
Refuse to live as a victim of circumstances. You
are not subject to the limitations of this world;
you are above them. The life of God in you
ensures that you triumph in all things.

Victory in Christ is synonymous with walking in


the light. “In Him was life; and the life was the
light of men. And the light shineth in darkness;
and the darkness comprehended it not” (John
1:4-5). The life of God in you is your light,
illuminating your path and making it impossible
for darkness to prevail over you. Darkness
represents everything contrary to the will of
God—failure, sickness, depression, oppression,
and lack. But you are in the light, and no
darkness can withstand the light of Christ in you.

This is why you must consistently walk in the


consciousness of your victory. Refuse to
entertain thoughts of failure, weakness, or

Page | 76
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

inadequacy. Walk with your head high,


shoulders squared, fully aware that you are a
carrier of divine light.

The mind is the battleground where victory is


either established or lost. Proverbs 23:7 says,
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” You
cannot afford to harbor thoughts of defeat or
impossibility. The devil thrives on lies, and his
greatest weapon is deception. He tries to make
believers think they are weak, defeated, and
incapable. But you must counter his lies with the
truth of God’s Word. When thoughts of fear,
doubt, and failure creep in, cast them down
immediately (2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ;

Speak victory at all times! The Word of God on


your lips is a weapon. Say boldly, “I am a victor,
not a victim! I am above only and never beneath!
I reign with Christ and walk in perpetual
triumph!” Your words shape your reality. Keep

Page | 77
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

declaring what God has said about you, and you


will live in the manifestation of it.

THE ROLE OF FAITH IN PERPETUAL


VICTORY

Faith is the key that activates your victory. 1


John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God
overcometh the world: and this is the victory
that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
Your faith is your overcoming force. When
situations arise that seem contrary to your
victory, refuse to be moved by what you see,
hear, or feel. Stand on God’s Word and hold fast
to your confession of faith.

Faith is not passive; it is aggressive and


unyielding. It speaks, acts, and persists until the
manifestation comes. Jesus never lost any battle,
and as His representative on earth, neither
should you. When faced with challenges, do not
cower in fear—rise in faith, speak the Word, and
enforce your victory!

Victory is sustained by the Word. The Bible is


your manual for victorious living. Every promise

Page | 78
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

of God is a guarantee of your triumph. Jesus


Himself demonstrated the power of the Word
when He was tempted by the devil. He
countered every attack with, “It is written…”
(Matthew 4:4-10). You must do the same.

Do not wait until challenges arise before you


start feeding on the Word. Let the Word dwell in
you richly

Colossians 3:16: Let the word of Christ dwell in


you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord. KJV

Meditate on it, confess it, and act on it. The


more of God’s Word you have in your spirit, the
more victorious you will be in life.

One of the greatest victories Christ secured for


you is victory over sin. Romans 6:14 says, “For
sin shall not have dominion over you.” You are
not a slave to sinful desires; you have power
over them. The old nature has been crucified
with Christ, and you now walk in newness of life

Page | 79
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

(Romans 6:6: Knowing this, that our old man is


crucified with him, that the body of sin might
be destroyed, that henceforth we should not
serve sin).

This means you are not subject to addictions,


bad habits, or any work of the flesh. If Christ has
set you free, then you are free indeed (John 8:36).
Do not accept bondage of any kind. The Holy
Spirit in you empowers you to live righteously
and victoriously over sin.

Satan and his cohorts recognize the authority of


the believer. Luke 10:19 declares, “Behold, I
give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” You
are not under Satan’s control; you are in
dominion over him. When the enemy tries to
attack, do not beg or plead—command him to
flee in the Name of Jesus! Exercise your God-
given authority. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you (James 4:7). You have been given
power over all the works of darkness. No
weapon formed against you shall prosper

Page | 80
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

(Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against


thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall
rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord).

Victory in Christ is all-encompassing. It covers


your health, finances, relationships, career, and
every aspect of your life. The enemy has no
legal right to afflict or oppress you in any area.
You are seated with Christ in heavenly places,
far above all principalities and powers
(Ephesians 2:6).

This means that your life should reflect the glory


of God. You should not live in lack, sickness, or
defeat. If anything contrary to victory tries to
manifest in your life, reject it and enforce your
divine rights.

You are living in perpetual victory! Failure,


defeat, and oppression are not part of your
destiny. Christ has secured your triumph, and
you are called to walk in it daily. Keep your eyes
on the Word, maintain a victorious mindset,

Page | 81
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

exercise your faith, and refuse to accept anything


less than what God has ordained for you. Walk
in the light of Christ, for in Him, you reign
forever. No darkness can overshadow you, no
challenge can break you, and no force can stop
you. Your path is the path of the just that shines
brighter and brighter unto the perfect day
(Proverbs 4:18). Keep walking in victory, for
that is your heritage in Christ.

Joy Unspeakable: A Life Above Depression

The joy of salvation is beyond human


comprehension. It is not ordinary happiness that
fluctuates with circumstances but a deep,
unshakable joy that stems from your union with
Christ. This is the joy that Jesus Himself
demonstrated when He leaped for joy, the same
joy that now resides in you. Nothing—no
situation, no hardship, no challenge—should
ever have the power to take it away from you.

The world is full of uncertainties, difficulties,


and painful experiences, but as a believer, you
have an inheritance that is far above all of that.

Page | 82
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

You are not meant to be overwhelmed by sorrow


or overcome by depression because the joy of
the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Depression thrives in the absence of joy, but
when you cultivate a life of joy, there is no space
for sadness to take root in your heart.

Joy in Christ is not dictated by emotions or


external conditions. It is a fruit of the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22) and is deeply embedded in your
nature as a new creation in Christ. The secular
world seeks happiness in material things,
relationships, and fleeting experiences, but these
things often fail and leave people empty. Your
joy, however, is rooted in something eternal—
the finished work of Christ.

When you understand this, you will not allow


temporary hardships to dictate your emotional
state. Paul, writing from prison, declared,
"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say,
Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord
always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Page | 83
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

His circumstances were far from ideal, but he


knew that joy is a choice, not a reaction. No
matter what happens, you can always choose to
remain joyful because you have something the
world cannot take away—your salvation in
Christ.

The moment you allow the world’s standards to


dictate your joy, you open the door to depression.
The world’s system is unpredictable and
unstable, but the Kingdom of God is unshakable.
Your joy comes from your relationship with
Christ, not your bank account, job, or social
status.

The Word of God is your source of life and


strength. When you feed on the Word daily, you
are filling your spirit with truth that silences
every lie of the enemy. The enemy wants you to
focus on what you don’t have, but the Word
reminds you of all you have in Christ—eternal
life, victory, dominion, and an inheritance in
God.

Page | 84
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Your words shape your reality. If you constantly


speak about your problems, sadness, and
struggles, you will sink deeper into them.
Instead, declare words of life and victory. Say, "I
am full of joy! Depression has no place in me! I
rejoice always!" Keep speaking the truth of
God’s Word over your life until it becomes your
reality.

Rejoicing is a divine strategy to break free from


the grip of depression. When you deliberately
choose to rejoice, even when it does not make
sense, you activate supernatural strength.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, "Although the fig tree


shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the
vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the
fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut
off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in
the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will
joy in the God of my salvation."

This means that even when things are not going


well, you can still choose to rejoice because your

Page | 85
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

joy is not dependent on external conditions but


on your faith in God.

Living Above Depression Permanently

To permanently live above depression, you must


cultivate a lifestyle of joy. It is not enough to
experience joy occasionally; you must make it a
permanent reality in your life. Here’s how:

Start Your Day with Joy – Begin each day with


gratitude and rejoicing. Speak the Word over
your life and declare victory before any
challenge arises.

Refuse to Meditate on Negative Thoughts –


Depression starts with negative thinking. When
wrong thoughts come, cast them down
immediately and replace them with the truth of
God’s Word.

Sing and Worship Often – Singing songs of


praise keeps your spirit lifted and strengthens
your joy. Even in difficult times, sing unto the
Lord.

Page | 86
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Walk in Love – Unforgiveness and bitterness


drain joy. Walk in love and keep your heart free
from offense.

Stay Filled with the Holy Ghost – Joy is a


function of being filled with the Spirit
(Ephesians 5:18-19). Pray in the Spirit often and
maintain a constant communion with God. You
are not a candidate for depression. Your life is
meant to be a testimony of joy unspeakable and
full of glory. 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen,
ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not,
yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable
and full of glory: No matter what happens,
remember that the joy of the Lord is your
strength. Walk in joy, live in joy, and let your
life shine as a beacon of hope to those around
you. Depression has no power over you. You are
victorious, joyful, and unstoppable. Keep your
focus on Christ, maintain your joy, and watch
how everything in your life aligns with God’s
perfect will. Joy is your portion—walk in it
always!

Page | 87
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

CONCLUSION

T
he essence of everything I have shared is
to ensure that you do not live beneath
your God-given potential. You are not a
victim of circumstances, nor are you subject to
the dictates of this world. Rather, you are a
victor, a conqueror, and a light that darkness
cannot overcome.

Each chapter of this book has equipped you with


the necessary knowledge and spiritual tools to
walk in perpetual victory. Whether it is
overcoming depression, defeating thoughts of
hopelessness and suicide, wielding the weapons
of the believer, or understanding your divine
identity, the power to live above challenges is
already within you. The Word of God, prayer,
and fellowship have been laid before you as an
unbeatable strategy to maintain joy unspeakable
and remain steadfast in faith. These are not just
concepts to admire but principles to practice
daily.

Page | 88
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

I need you to know that victory is not a one-time


event—it is a lifestyle. Many believers
experience fleeting moments of joy and
breakthroughs but struggle to maintain them.
That is not your portion! You are designed to
reign consistently. It begins with acknowledging
that you have the indwelling Spirit, who
strengthens and empowers you to live above any
limitation. You are not ordinary; you carry the
very essence of God. This realization alone
should fuel your confidence and boldness.

One of the greatest secrets to sustaining your


victory is to keep the right associations.
Surround yourself with like-minded believers
who will stir up your faith rather than those who
will feed your fears. Engage in consistent
fellowship, both corporately in a Bible-believing
church and personally with the Holy Spirit. The
more you expose yourself to the truth of God’s
Word, the more your mind will be renewed and
transformed. When challenges arise, your
response should not be fear or despair but faith-
filled declarations and unwavering trust in God.

Page | 89
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

I challenge you not to merely read this book and


set it aside. Go back, meditate on every chapter,
and put the teachings into action. Victory is for
those who apply the truth, not just those who
hear it. Each day, remind yourself of who you
are in Christ. Speak the Word boldly, and refuse
to entertain thoughts that contradict your identity
in Christ. Depression, fear, anxiety, and self-
doubt have no place in your life unless you
allow them. But you have the authority to cast
down every negative thought and replace it with
God’s truth.

I also encourage you to be a light to others.


There are many people around you who are
struggling, searching for answers, and battling
the very issues you have learned to overcome.
Do not keep this knowledge to yourself. Share
your testimony, encourage others, and be a
beacon of hope to those who need it. The world
is filled with despair, but you carry the
solution—Christ in you, the hope of glory!

As you apply these principles, I am confident


that you will see tangible changes in your life.

Page | 90
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

Your joy will no longer be dependent on


external circumstances. Instead, it will flow from
within, rooted in your relationship with Christ.
Your mind will be steadfast, your spirit
unshaken, and your confidence unbreakable.
You will wake up each day with purpose,
knowing that you are not a victim but a
conqueror. Your prayers will be filled with faith,
your words will carry power, and your life will
be a testimony of God’s goodness.

Finally, I would love to hear from you! If this


book has blessed you, if you have experienced
transformation in any area of your life, or if you
have a testimony to share, do not hesitate to
reach out to me. I would be honored to read your
story and celebrate with you. Feel free to write
to me via email and let me know how this book
has impacted you.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey.


You have a family in Christ, and most
importantly, you have the Holy Spirit as your
helper, guide, and strength. Walk in victory, live
in joy, and never settle for less than God’s best

Page | 91
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

for you. The days of depression, hopelessness,


and defeat are over. Now, it is time to rise and
shine as the victorious believer you were created
to be.

Go forth and reign in life. Your best days are


ahead of you!

Page | 92
Depression _ Should A Believer Be Depressed

ABOUT THE BOOK

DEPRESSION: Should a Believer Be Depressed?


is a life-transforming book that shatters the
chains of despair and empowers you to walk in
unstoppable joy. If you’ve ever battled dark
thoughts, questioned your worth, or felt trapped
in hopelessness, this book is your divine answer.
With piercing scriptural truths, it dismantles the
lies of the enemy and reveals the victorious
identity you have in Christ. Depression has no
claim over you—you are light, not darkness!
Through the power of God’s Word, prayer, and
fellowship, you will rise above every storm. This
isn’t just another book—it’s your manual for
perpetual victory. Pick it up, read, and watch
your life explode with supernatural joy and
dominion!

Page | 93

You might also like