Depression as a tool of Satan's?

navymomplus4 · Post by **navymomplus4** » Thu May 08, 2008 3:00 am

Okay, you may think this is crazy, but I am beginning to think that depression is really a way for Satan to get between me and God. It is like all Satan has to do is put one little negative thought into my head and then doubt and worry start taking over and it escalates into a full-blown depressive attack filled with thoughts of doom and actual thoughts of suicide. During one of these episodes, I knew I was winning the battle when I could cry out loud "I want to live!" When these "attacks" are over, I look back and wonder where did all those negative doom and gloom thoughts come from. I do not normally think so negatively. It feels to me like a spiritual and emotional battle that I fight on a regular basis, actually a monthly basis (the doctor calls it PMDD). It has helped me to remember that God always wins. He will always be victorious for me. I just wish these "attacks" would stop altogether.

I have even gone so far as to think that depression and anxiety are actually demons attacking me. Jesus cast out many demons. Do demons still exist? If so, the love of Jesus is the only way to get rid of them, right? I pray that God will take these away from me and I know that He will, but it will not be easy because I have allowed these negative thoughts to be, like Lucinda says, a bad habit. I feel that the antidepressant I am on is like a weapon because for a while I felt free of the depressive attacks, but they grow stronger again. I am really hoping that this program will be an even better "weapon" I can use to finally defeat Satan and get him out of my life. I know this sounds strange, but it is how I feel.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 08, 2008 4:04 am

Navymom, you are so right on about the demons. Many will disagree I'm sure. Just remember even tho they may be tormenting demons you can OVERCOME BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. Also "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world(satan). When those tormenting thoughts come PLEAD THE BLOOD,buy some good worship/praise music if you don't have any, play it, if you do. Write down scriptures about your mind like Phillip.4:6-7 or Eph.6 (the weapons of your warfare) and have them handy so when these thoughts come,READ THEM OUT LOUD. The stinking thinking gets us into lots of trouble, satan knows this and tries to bombard our minds, that's why we have to have our tools close by at all times. When you start being overwhelmed it's easy to forget to do the deep breathing. I know, I struggle with this still. I'm getting better and you will for sure because you're just getting started on the program. I'm so happy for you that you've taken the right step. What lesson are you on?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:09 am

Here are some thoughts on your topic. I believe personally that the devil has a field day in my mind with his doubt, fear, insecurity, worry, etc. None of those come from God.

Depression is real. We know that there are insufficient levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin & norephinephrine in depressed personsand medication is often necessary. Depression attacks our spirit and steals our joy in life. Just getting up or getting dressed in the morning is drudgery. We sleep to avoid the pain of living daily life. We want to be alone. We feel alone in a crowd.
The fact is there is more to depression and all other illness, than we see in the physical realm.

The Bible teaches that there is a war going on in the earth between the forces of good and evil. It has been going on since Satan was cast down from heaven. In Ephesians 5:15, we see that "the days are evil". Ephesians 6:12 tells us that we war not with flesh and blood, but with powers and principalities, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Every aspect…yes, every detail of your life is affected by this warfare. The daily events of your life build one kingdom at the expense of the other.

In every war there is a quest for authority and a disputed territory. In this war of the ages, the authority in dispute is God’s authority, an authority delegated to God’s people. (Luke 9:1) The territory in dispute is your body (Romans 7:22-23).

God loves us; he created us. His desire for our life is wholeness, peace, happiness, prosperity, wellness, and joy.

In this war of the ages, Satan employs two very distinct tactics to battle against God’s people. First, he tries and keep us from believing there exists a living God, and if this does not work, he tries to keep us from experiencing all that is ours as a child of God.

The very real physical and mental illness known as depression is one scheme Satan uses to do this. Depression infects our heart and robs us of the health, peace, and joy that is ours as heirs in the royal Kingdom of God.

The Bible tells us our strength comes from God. (Exodus 15:2), The Lord is my strength. (ll Samuel 22:33) God is my strength & power. (Psalm 29:11) The Lord will give strength to his people.

Feelings of emptiness, guilt, and worthlessness: The Bible tells us that we are beloved of God. We are so valuable to him that he sent his only Son to die on the cross for us. (John 3:16) He loves us, values us, and wants fellowship with us.
Profound sadness and lack of Joy: The Bible tells us our Joy is complete when we keep the commandments of Jesus and love each other as he loved us. (John 15:9) You will find your Joy when you take your eyes off yourself and feed, love & clothe others. (Isaiah 58:15 ) Joy is a fruit of the Holy Sprit. (Galatians 5:22)
Despair & hopelessness: This is probably the most profound revelation. Despair in the Bible comes from the Greek word Ex-ap-or-eh-om-ahee, which means TO RENOUNCE ALL HOPE. The Bible tells us Christ is our hope!

Satan is a liar, the father of deception. The Bible has all the wisdom you need to be free of Satan’s hold on your life today. Isn’t it time you took your joy back?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:21 am

I agree to an extent, however, ther are so many psysiological issues that can cause anxiety and depression. I will use myself as an example...I have diabetes and hypothyroidism. Both are known to significantly contribute to anxiety and depression. I would hate to think that my faith is not perceived as lacking because of an illness.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:44 am

I disagree. Anxiety, depression and negative thoughts are about all thats happening here. Satan having the ability to control your thoughts is kinda silly and this IS nothing more then an anxious mind. Thinking that he even has the power to do this, is whats CAUSING it in the first place. Gotta put things into perspective here. I would focus my thoughts on what comes first..the chicken or the egg? Your spiritual beliefs are at the root of this problem. God is good, nothing less. He would never allow for some evil demon to have control over your thoughts or you. Once you realize that YOU and YOU alone are causing this cause and effect reaction, it will subside.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 08, 2008 6:14 am

Stephen, I apologize if I implied.......but there are two things I absolutely don't believe and those are that you are not strong in your faith if you have anxiety and depression and that you can just snap out of this stuff.
I too have physical ailments that are compounding the problems.
Maybe if I use another word- that the devil takes advantages of your weaknesses and other opportunities and in this case penetrates my mind so that I have so many negative thoughts that I live with fear, worry, doubt, low self esteem, etc. I have the tools I need to fight this- I have the Word of God, this program and support group, good docs and meds, but I still have trouble clearing my mind out with all the bad stuff. So I personally can mostly manage to attend worship service but don't minister and witness to others, volunteer in the church or really do any of God's work. This is all hendering me in being the Christian I should and could be, as well as the mom, daughter, wife, etc that I should be.
Like I said- the devil has a field day in my head. I fight the thoughts as long as I can then they overwhelm me and I go back to feeling like a victim with a feel sorry for myself attitude.
I know that there will be a lot of people disagree with me, and that's ok. I agree to disagree if your battle is different from mine. This is just how I feel about me and what I'm going through. Thanks for responding!

Carolyn Dickman · Post by **Carolyn Dickman** » Thu May 08, 2008 6:23 am

I have struggled with these questions. I have decided to forgive myself for not being a better Christian for the last many years. Most of my problems come from low self-esteem and self doubt. Focusing on what God has done helps.
I realize that I have let anxiety rule and make me depressed. I heard Chonda Pierce on James Robison say that God had given her tools to fight her depression just like He gave Adam and Eve clothes to wear. He provided for them. I thank God He is providing tools for us.

Mello Nello · Post by **Mello Nello** » Thu May 08, 2008 6:38 am

Bev,
I took no offense at all regarding your statement. I believe that if I am depressed because my house is not as nice as my neighbors that is a result of selfishness. Consequently, this would lead me to believe this is not a Godly mindset!

LUVG · Post by **LUVG** » Thu May 08, 2008 6:40 am

I have always thought it was a spiritual battle. I never had any anxiety or panic attacks until (honestly)- one day (literally) after I praised God and surrendered all to him and told him he was in control. I gave it all over to him and the next day I started freaking out and panicking. I thought I was going to die. For 3 days and nights I was having one giant panic attack. I finally had to go to the doctor and was highly medicated to get the panic attack to stop. My cortisol levels were through the roof.

Anyway, for me it is always when I am trying to get closer to God or I am achieving a closeness with God that this happens.
It is Satan, I know it is.

Huck · Post by **Huck** » Thu May 08, 2008 6:46 am

When I was in my late 20s I was told by church members that I have NO chance of being in heaven cause of my depression. They said "depression is selfish" and "God is a God of happiness" "depression is from being with the Devil" I was DEVISTATED. Even tho Now I know better and after many years of trying to reverse this. It still rings in my head

I am kind of ignorant here But I didnt think that Satan can read our thoughts only God can. That is why when we are fighting with satan we are to talk outloud "In the name of Jesus get behind me". I might be wrong. Cause I have been fed crap before.

Steven good to see u again. I hope u are doing good.
Monica