Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23
Nothing makes you more aware of the thorn of depression like rainy days. For those who do not know, I deal with depression and anxiety. It’s really annoying. Actually, I’m not being completely honest. It is EXTREMELY annoying. What is equally annoying and frustrating are the stigmas and connotations that arise when people find out this about me. They think, “you are a pastor, how dare you struggle? You are a child of God, have more faith!” In all fairness, I get why people would say these things, and think them. I tend to lovingly distance myself from such people. I do this not because I’m angry at them, but because I want to protect my heart.
The Lord encouraged me to write and encourage those dealing with depression or anxiety. What He asked me to do, is to encourage you to protect your heart. I’m not preaching to you, I’m speaking life-filled medicine into your soul when I say this. The Lord wants you to know you have been given authority to protect your heart. Proverbs 4:23 tells us of this. The directive is for you and I to protect our heart. That is our responsibility. Nobody else can do this for you, nor can you do this for anyone else.
In saying this, there is a destructive series out right now (WARNING: I’m about to offend some of you). That series is 13 Reasons Why. Before I go further, let me clarify something. I’m not calling you a terrible person if you have watched this. I’m not calling you a bad Christian. I’m not saying the people who produced this had malice or ill intentions in their heart, nor do you. What I am saying, is that this series, does not and will not edify your soul the way the Lord wants.
How do I know this? This is not protecting your heart. Here is what I know. People with depression and anxiety have to protect their minds and renew them in the word of God frequently. Yes, all children of God do as well. But, let’s be honest, those of us who deal with this thorn know that we must. If we don’t there are consequences. So when we feed our soul a narrative that conflicts with the Gospel, it quenches His Spirit’s work in our life.
Suicide is highly romanticized in our culture. I don’t understand why, but it is. Suicide, is not the Lord’s heart for you. So narratives such as 13 Reasons Why, and many others are not the royal food the Lord has for you. Stop feeding the monster. Stop opening the gates of the enemy to roam around in your soul. You may be thinking, “here we go, another religious rant.” Maybe your right. Actually, I’m not being honest again. You are absolutely wrong.
I know that when I let my guard down and let unsafe people, messages, and lies into my mind, the monster of depression and anxiety is being fed. What’s the antidote then?! Protect your heart, for the course of your life depends on it. That’s what Proverbs 4:23 says. How you do that, is totally up to you and your relationship with Jesus. Stop feeding the monster, and start feasting on the Word.
God loves you. He has good plans for you. Protect your heart. You will be amazed at the fruit that will spring forth from your tree when you stop allowing the monster to feed from it.
Nate Staton 