Yes, you read the title correctly.  And, yes, I’m saying you can have peace while in the middle of a full-blown depressive episode!  I know this for one very important reason:  the Bible says it is possible. 

If you’ve read these Faith Facts in numerical order, you have already learned what I believe is the key to learning how to overcome depression.  We must read, believe, and put into practice the promises in God’s word.  When our emotions and thoughts do not agree with the Bible, we decide not to believe them or focus on them.  Instead, we decide to believe the promises contained in scripture. 

Psalm 4:8 says, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, oh Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  In John’s gospel, Jesus says to His disciples, “My peace I give to you.”  Then He tells them they will have many troubles in the world!  He concludes by saying, “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”  >

Peace in the midst of troubles?  Peace and depression?  It’s possible when you realize this:  your emotions do not have to define you!  When I feel a depressive episode is coming on, I acknowledge that wrong emotions are swirling around and through me, but I focus on God’s love for me and His constant presence and peace in me.  I thank Him for these things over and over. 

In other words, I act on the word of God, not my constantly shifting emotions. 

Try it yourself.  The more you learn to be faithful to God while depressed, and the more you read and believe God’s promises while you are depressed, the deeper and more abundant His peace will be.