Tag: seasonal depression

Choosing Joy!

Sally K.

Here we are, the -ber months are upon us: September, October, November, December. For many, these months bring cozy feelings of fall leaves, holiday gatherings, and a sense of anticipation. But for others, this season can feel heavy. The days get shorter, the nights longer, and a creeping weight known as seasonal depression (or seasonal affective disorder) tries to set in.

Maybe you feel it, you know – the lack of motivation, the sadness that lingers, or the pressure of the year ending without seeing everything you hoped come to pass. Maybe you’re asking yourself: “Where did the year go? Why do I still feel stuck? Why didn’t I accomplish my goals?” Or you see things happening for others around you but nothing seems to be working for you.

I want to remind you of something powerful: sadness may try to creep in, but you can choose joy. And not just fleeting joy, but the kind that sustains, strengthens, and uplifts no matter the season, the joy that comes from Christ.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” — Psalm 16:11

Joy isn’t an emotion that comes and goes with circumstances. Joy is found in one person alone – Jesus Christ. And when we anchor ourselves in Him, joy becomes more than a feeling; it becomes a weapon to combat emotions, depression and the enemy!

It’s tempting to fight seasonal depression with surface-level fixes alone; cozy drinks, pretty decor, vacations, or self-care routines. While those things are good, they can only touch the surface. They don’t heal the heart. They don’t silence the thoughts that keep you awake at night or that tries to cripple or paralyze you in the day.

But Jesus does.

Only Christ can get to the root of despair and lift the spirit from heaviness to hope. Scripture calls Him “the oil of joy for mourning” (Isaiah 61:3). The world offers distractions, but Christ offers deliverance.

Dependency on Him looks like:

  • Running to Him daily for strength.
  • Speaking His Word when the enemy whispers lies.
  • Leaning on His presence when loneliness strikes.
  • Trusting His timing when disappointment hits.

The truth is, without Christ, we try to manage depression in our own strength. With Christ, we don’t just manage it – we overcome it!

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Be intention about your thoughts and emotions. I often find myself stopping mid mind-chatter and saying “Shut up devil.” in addition to combating with scripture. I’m also a silver-lining kinda girl so I try to think of the positive in the situation rather than my lack – you know – glass half full thoughts. This also creates gratitude concerning my current situation rather than complaining or feelings of saddness about what I’m waiting on.

Ways to Overcome

This is where true victory lies.

  1. Daily Word intake. Even a single verse can reset your heart and mind. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
  2. Worship through the heaviness. Darkness cannot survive in an atmosphere of worship. Dance it out! Worship it out! Praise it out!
  3. Pray earnestly. Don’t hold back. Tell God exactly how you feel – no eloquent speech required. He’s big enough to handle your truth.
  4. Speak life daily. Refuse to partner with despair, declare God’s words and promises over yourself.
  5. Remember community. Sometimes healing comes in shared burdens. Partner with someone who can pray you through.

God created our bodies and minds, so it’s wise to care for them practically while leaning into Him spiritually.

Practical ways to overcome;

  1. Get moving. Gentle walks, stretching, dancing or exercise help release endorphins and fight sadness.
  2. Seek light. Shorter days mean less sunlight – try to get outside when you can or sit near windows. Oh and turn on the lights! Darkness cannot comprehend the light.
  3. Stay connected. Depression isolates, but joy is found in community. Call a friend, join a Church or Fellowship, or attend a Bible study.
  4. Rest intentionally. Create a routine that gives your body and mind true rest – not avoidance.
  5. Create small joys. Add little things that spark delight: a new candle, uplifting music, journaling, date nights with friends, shopping or a gratitude list.

Declare Over Yourself

Speaking declarations out loud is powerful because our words carry life. When we declare God’s truth, we’re not just reminding ourselves; we’re building faith, breaking agreement with lies, and shifting the very atmosphere around us. Even Jesus spoke the Word out loud when He faced temptation, showing us that victory comes when truth is voiced, not just thought. Declarations train our spirit to expect God’s promises and invite His presence into our daily lives. It’s not about positive thinking, it’s about aligning our hearts, minds, and environments with the living Word of God.

Speak these out loud until your spirit aligns with the truth:

  • “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
  • “This heaviness is not my portion, Jesus is my portion.”
  • “I will not be overcome by sadness; I am an overcomer through Christ Jesus.”
  • “I choose joy, peace, and hope today because Christ lives in me.”
  • “This season will not defeat me, God is faithful in every season.”

What you listen to also helps. Here are some powerful messages to soak in as you depend on Christ for joy:

Let these words wash over you. Don’t just listen once, play them often until the Word of God replaces the lies of the enemy.

Beloved, as we step into these -ber months, don’t let depression steal your joy. Don’t let the year’s end trick you into thinking you’ve lost. With Christ, every season has purpose and there’s victory on all sides!

Remember, creation itself is waiting for your light to shine (Romans 8:19). And the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Romans 8:11). That means joy is not optional, it’s your inheritance in Christ.

This season, let’s not just survive – let’s thrive! Let’s lean on Jesus, depend on His joy, and watch Him change our garment of heaviness into a garment of praise.

I choose joy.
I choose Jesus.
And I pray you will too!