This past Sunday, I taught about toxic thoughts and how to tackle them.  One thing that I stressed was the importance of not just removing those thought but replacing those toxic thoughts with good thoughts.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to actually detail what some of those “good thoughts’ might look like.  I’ve decided to share a few suggestions here on my blog this week.

Today, I want to talk to you about what to think about when you’re feeling depressed.  Now, there are a lot of things I could suggest you do when you’re feeling that way but let’s just focus on the thoughts aspect.

When you’re feeling depressed you must take those depressing thoughts captive and replace them with one overriding thought.  You must think about the goodness of the Lord.  Check out this verse.

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord… Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Wait for the Lord.”  Psalm 27:13-14 (NAS)

No matter what you’re going through and no matter how dark it may seem, you’ve got to hang on to the idea that God is good and that you will see (and experience) His goodness in the future.   It is absolutely critical that you internalize this truth in your heart.  It will help you to combat the dark thoughts and the dark days.

No life is without pain or problems but, if we persevere and wait expectantly for the Lord, we will truly see His goodness and experience His redemption and restoration.  You’ve just got to hang on and trust Him.  Check out this verse.

“How great is Your goodness!  You have stored it up for those who honor You. You do good things for those who trust You.”  Psalm 31:19 (ICB)

If you’re struggling with depressing thoughts, I would suggest that you memorize one or both of these verses and meditate on them.  Keep them firmly planted in your mind and use them as a weapon when doubt or despair attempt to enter the scene.  Refuse to dwell on the past or to nurse those depressing thoughts. Focus on the Lord and His goodness.  Focus on your future with Him.