The following is an adaptation from Dr. Crystal Evans' teaching entitled, "Walking With God When Your Soul is Downcast"

Do you wake up and some days are just not what they need to be? You may be experiencing a season of depression. An emotional heaviness that weighs down the heart. Depression is not something that you struggle alone with. It is an ancient problem. A universal one. It is, most of all, a people problem. It may come before some great task you are meant to undertake. But it will come. And we need to be ready!

Our greatest asset in this battle is the words of God himself. What does He say about the situation? What does he say about you? God knows the plans he has for you and how he wants to prosper you. He wants you to go from strength to strength. Isaiah tells us that "though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." These are words of encouragement, that even though this time may have you downcast, it will not last.

During this time, it is helpful to not only seek out the word of God but to also evaluate your life and habits. Get a medical check-up, see if medication may be the right course of action for you. Take this time to seek out your friends, make time to go outside and get in the sun (but not too much! It is still Florida summer!) Also take note of what you're eating. Are you taking care of your body? All of these things can make a large impact on your mental state and help you push through.

God is faithful. He will not stop walking with us, even when we feel He has. If you're living with depression, take time this week to push in to God and seek what he truly has for you.

Northwest Gold is a series of easy-to-digest samplings from the best Northwest teachings. To read more on this topic, check out the full teaching "Walking With God When Your Soul is Downcast" and also view more teachings like this on the Walking With God sermon series page.