“Hey E4M friends and family, Kellie is back this week, with another powerful post! Many of us know the battles of depression all too well, and it’s debilitating effects on our lives, not to mention our health and wellness journeys! Kellie is here with a powerful word reminding us all of the power

that resides deep inside us to fight back-It’s time we served satan the Eviction Notice he deserves! Be blessed and inspired as you share in Kellie’s journey this week!”

Preface: I sent my original blog to Julie (after at least two rewrites), but still wasn’t satisfied. I was up and down all-night Thursday night, thinking about what I had written. It had the same theme as all my previous blogs, the weight loss journey, so I thought it had to be the right one. But, I just couldn’t get settled on it. Then, Friday morning, God centered my focus on the post below. It’s not really about weight loss and I hope you are ok with it. I finally feel at peace about it, so that’s my sign that this is the post for the week.-Kellie

Writing this week’s blog has been a struggle. No revelation, no big a-ha about my weight loss journey. Just a week of mental fighting and I’m exhausted by it. To be honest, I feel like I’ve been covered in a heavy dark blanket and couldn’t seem to get out from underneath it. I recognize this enemy. His name is Depression. I’ve battled him for most of my life, so we are well acquainted. Thankfully, I’ve not had a visit from him for quite some time, so this reemergence was unexpected and unwelcomed. However, much to his chagrin, he didn’t get to stick around for long. I know the key to his demise and eviction.

Throughout my life, he’s had a permanent guest room in my spiritual house. I did his laundry, cooked his meals and made him feel at home. Why would he want to leave? I allowed him to take up residence. I would ask him to leave but would continue to cater to his every whim. You want me to cry all day? Sure, that’s a great idea! What’s the point of getting out of bed, you say? Well, you know, I don’t know, so I think I’ll stay here and sleep all day. Dwell on these negative thoughts? Oh, you bet. As a matter of fact, I’m going to say them over and over. Thanks for the idea, Depression! You probably laughed at this, but I’m telling you, that is exactly what I did. I gave him PERMISSION to live in my spirit.

Let me tell you something. We cannot entertain him and expect God is going to throw him out. He won’t. While we can’t stop Depression from coming in, we certainly have the choice to not let him STAY. If he comes for a visit, don’t bake a cake and have coffee with him. Don’t let him get comfortable. As a matter of fact, don’t let him cross the threshold. SLAM THE DOOR IN HIS FACE.

Oh, easy for you to say, Kellie. You have no idea what it’s like for me. You are right. I don’t. But I don’t have to know what it’s like for you as an individual to know that the battle is the same for us all. The war begins the minute the enemy get us thinking about ourselves and our situation and never lets us think about anything else. The tactic is the same! Me, me, me, me. You can’t see the God who is greater than Depression when all you focus on is you!

This fight requires praise and the Word! Praise is like a magnifying glass. It causes what you focus on to get bigger. If you are focusing on you and your situation, then it gets bigger. If you are focusing on God, He becomes bigger.

God is the problem solver! He is the Protector, Provider, Healer, Deliverer, Savior, My Joy! Set your praise on Him! Magnify the Lord and everything else comes into perspective.

Here are some scriptures to help you set your focus. Say them out loud. Memorize them. Act on them! Use them against the enemy of Depression!

Isaiah 61:3 And provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.

Psalm 3:3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

Psalm 42:11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 34:18-19 The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. 

XOXO Kellie

Kellie has provided us all we need to evict depression from our earthly home.  Hand satan his eviction notice today.  Let him know, you are building a dwelling place for the Lord.  One that allows for joy, and not depression.  Health, hope, and healing, and not fear, anxiety, and oppression.  As God builds His home deep in your soul, watch as the desire to live healthier, and more whole begins to emerge!

Our deepest gratitude to Kellie who so lovingly shares her heart and soul with us every week!

If you want to join her on this journey, learning how to allow God to build a dwelling place in your life, join our E4M family today!  We’re giving satan an eviction notice, and allowing God to take up life-long residence!