How to Overcome Depression
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NKJV)
Tribulation means great trouble. Jesus doesn’t sugar coat what living in a ruined world will be like. There will be difficulties, heartbreak, tragedy and sometimes unbearable suffering. In fact, we will eventually lose almost every temporal blessing we enjoy.
Jesus originally gave these words to prepare his disciples for his arrest and brutal crucifixion, and the terror they would experience at that loss. But his words are also universally applicable to everyone who believes in him. They are to provide comfort and encouragement to you and me as well.
Amazingly, he tells us to be of good cheer in spite of it all. We can still be happy and rise above the sometimes crushing circumstances and heartbreaking losses. He doesn’t offer merely well-meaning advice; he gives us the wisdom from heaven we need to solve the problem along with the grace and power to put it into practice.
How is that even possible? Jesus has overcome the world. He has conquered evil and eternally defeated Satan, the god of this fallen world (2 Corinthians 4:4) God’s kingdom will one day replace the present kingdom of darkness, and in the here and now you can enjoy the peace and joy that comes from knowing Christ (Romans 14:17).
