Depression and hopelessness are feelings within our hearts that we will not experience positive emotions or an improvement in our current condition. This negative influence occurs when we experience a lack of peace, joy, and security in an abundant life with our Heavenly Father. When we experience depression and hopelessness, we have no expectation for the future or desire to work towards future goals, passions, or dreams. The common negative spoken influence in these is, “Life will not change, so what’s the point.” Depression and hopelessness can take on many forms, including feeling empty inside and not knowing why.
Additional ways depression and hopelessness can become present in our lives are:
Persistent negative thoughts and lies of the enemy.
A lack of motivation and purpose-filled energy.
Isolation and withdrawal
A loss of purpose or interest in life.
Freedom and emotional healing from this negative influence happen when we partner with God’s truth and divine exchange, which will always remind us of our purpose from Him and empower us to continue to receive the abundant life that the Gospel promises.
Questions to Ask:
On a scale of 1 – 10, with 10 being hopelessness and depression and 1 being joyful, how would you describe the hopelessness you feel most days?
Is depression/hopelessness a common difficulty in y our family line? If so, how did your family members cope with depression/hopelessness?
Have you noticed changes in your enjoyment of life due to your depression or hopelessness?
Is there anyone you need to forgive for past pain to receive freedom from depression and hopelessness?
What disadvantages have you faced as a result of depression or hopelessness?
Are there any lies you are believing about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by depression/hopelessness?
Connected Influences: Discouragement, despair, misery, sadness, self-pity, suicidal ideation, withdrawal, isolation, gloom.
Scriptural Truth:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5)
“Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” (1 Kings 19:4-6)
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
How to Pray for Breakthrough from Depression and Hopelessness:
You may pray aloud, using each step below:
REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"
RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."
"Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”
"Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"
REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”
Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).
RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"
What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)
You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.
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