Undoing Depression and Discouragement in Singles
As Christian singles, it’s sometimes easy to suffer discouragement or fear over new sets of circumstances or future uncertainties. Undoing depression that often accompanies discouragement is a difficult thing to do.
Because we’re human, discouragement, depression and stress can crop up at anytime, for a variety of reasons.
Why Singles Suffer Discouragement and Depression
The following are some top reasons singles give for having discouragement and depression in their dating lives:
- Some battle discouragement and depression because they have just suffered the end of a long term relationship
- Other singles keep seeing friends marry off, but feel discouraged and depressed because they have no dating or courting prospects. This makes them fearful they will never get married.
- Some are recently single again parents (by divorce or death) who feel discouragement and depression because they now have added responsibilities with less support.
- Some Christian singles feel discouragement with their churches because of perceived lack of concern for their needs.
I’m sure you may be able to add additional causes for discouragement and depression. But you know what’s neat? Whatever discouraging emotions we go through as Christian single believers, the Lord has answers for us in His living word.
Our Scripture for the day is found in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The death of Moses signified a whole new beginning for Joshua, with a bunch of added responsibilities. God had just told Joshua that he was the guy who was going to lead the Israelites across the Jordan after they had spent 40 years wandering around in the Wilderness.
Besides having the Israelites to deal with, which was no easy task, Joshua had to think about all the scary things that could befall him once he crossed the river in the near future.
Judging by God’s words in our verse of the day, we can pretty much assume Joshua was discouraged, depressed, freaked out and overwhelmed with his new responsibilites and position.
What happened to Joshua? With God’s help he overcame his discouragement, and undoing his depression, went on to lead the people to glorious victories.
As Christian singles, we too can have victory over our circumstances by undoing depression and discouragement in our lives. The following tips will help you as you seek the Lord in this matter.
By the way, if you are not sure you are a child of God, please check this out before continuing.
Tips For Undoing Depression and Discouragement
Remember You Have a Choice
God will never command us to do something without providing the power to obey. When we feel discouragement we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we have a choice not to feel this way. Why? Because God has commanded us not to feel this way. In fact, God had to remind Joshua what He had already commanded: Do not have discouragement, dismay or fear.
Remember God Has a Wonderful Future for Your Life
God told Joshua he was going to do great things for him and through him. After having just lost Moses, Joshua became discouraged and depressed, and may have lost sight of this wonderful fact.
As a single Christian, maybe some bad experience has caused you to lose hope. Like Joshua, God has promised you wonderful things as well (Jer. 29:11). Believe Him on this, even if you don’t feel it or see it.
Remember God Promises Help
God promised Joshua twice in different words (Joshua 1:5,9) that He would never leave Him alone in his circumstances. The same promises are available to us as we work through our discouragement, undoing our depression (Read Hebrews 13:5, John 14:8).
Remember the Needs of Others
When a person feels discouraged or depressed they tend to withdraw from life. God challenged Joshua at this point by givng him a mission to accomplish. Why? The best medicine for undoing depression and discouragement is to force yourself to be “outward focused” by helping others.
Joshua had a people to lead across the Jordan. What ministry or mission has God given you?
Are you a single woman or man who has had success in undoing depression and discouragement in your life? Please help others by sharing.
Related Posts:
Contentment Living a Christian Single Life
Dating After Divorce
Single Again Tips for the Recently Single Woman and Man
How to Meet More Single Christians Online
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Thanks for this information on depression. I have been going through a lot lately and I seem to be overwhelmed by stress and depression. I am not sure if it is just stress or spiritual warfare. Please keep me in your prayers. God Bless