Jon, I know this is a very serious and a much needed subject to talk about. I would of never understood the seriousness of depression if I had not experienced myself. I have always been an up-beat person. I am a people lover, and enjoy life so much. So, when I was hit with depression, I could not understand it.
I would go to bed for the entire day, and felt such dispair, and hopelessness. I didn't like to have the curtains open, I wanted the room I was in to be as dark as I could possibly get it, I stayed by myself most of the time. I couldn't even make myself get out of the house to do anything. At that time my children were small, and I wasn't a very good mother at all. I only did what I had to do for them. My husband took over almost all the responsibilities.
I felt as if I had a heavy weight tied to me and that I was drowning under the pressure of it.
After several weeks of this, my family did finally take me to the doctor. I was diagnosed with manic-depression. I received a prescription of prozac, which did help me.
I was then able to have the strength to fight this thing spiritually. I would go to my church during the day time and cry out to God for deliverance. I wept for hours at the alter seeking healing, not just one time, but many days.
During that time, I got into listening to preachings, and teachings of the word of God on cassette tape. I kept my tape player going around the clock. The more I learned about the word of God, and what Jesus had done for me, the less frequent the spells of depression would be.
Finally one afternoon, I was doing some housework, and I had Benny Hinn's program on. I wasn't even paying that much attention to it, but he began to pray at the end of his program. I was walking from my living area into my kitchen when he bound the spirit of depression. I felt the anointing hit me, the power of God shook my being. And I was completely set free!!!! I threw the prozac in the trash and havent had any problems with it. That has been 15 or more years ago!!!
I would like for you to share your testimony.
Jody