There were days, weeks, months even, when I wondered if the darkness would ever lift, if depression would ever become a distant memory. Laughter had become a way of the past, why couldn’t depression?
The valley of depression was the journey I travelled, and I had begun to wonder if perhaps I was just “joy-immune.” Perhaps you’ve wondered that too. But friend, that is a lie from the enemy of our souls. A lie set up to steal our joy, kill our peace, and destroy our identity. But the truth is we are more than overcomers. We are victorious in Christ Jesus. And the Word says that God is doing a NEW thing in us!
You know, in the depths of the valley of depression, one of the ways that the enemy keeps us there, is by stealing our joy.
He does that in many ways. But he largely does that through our thoughts. One way to combat that is to take captive every thought.
It means consciously thinking about the thoughts that we have and determining whether or not they line up with God’s word.
Depression is hard. And, when you’re in the midst of it, it feels like it will never end. But, my friend, it will. If you listen to God’s word, if you follow His principles, if you hold on to His hand, it will end.
I’m living proof of it.
God promises in His word that weeping may last for a night, but just like the sunrise, joy comes in the morning.
Will you take my hand and go with me through the pages of “Hope Prevails?”
Let’s walk this journey together. And, through the pages, let’s go from the valley of depression to the other side where joy resides.
A short brief about Hope Prevails.
Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide
- An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
- As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
- Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations
In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.
For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real hope for the future.
Hope Prevails is available now wherever books are sold. To find out more, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.
God’s joy is a true blessing. His mercies are new each day. He loves us so much.:-)
Love this and love you! Thanks for linking up with #JesusandCoffee this week!
Yes! This. Will joy return. We drag ourselves out of the world’s description of depression, but if there’s no joy, we’re still not whole!
Loved getting to see you on video today, beautiful friend. Your words were right on time for me today — I’m not currently battling depression, but the enemy is assaulting me with worry, and this encouraged me in all the right places.
Praying for you and your man today.
xo
Michelle,
Yes, to cling to God’s truth in the midst of the valley of depression…Thank you for encouraging others …blessings to you 🙂