Living in this fast-paced world, with all the temptations that arise, can seem insurmountable at times. But there are ways to overcome this scourge.

The definition of the word depression is: "The act of depressing or state of being depressed; a pressing down, a lowering." This definition is accurate; however, the meaning that grabbed my attention described depression as a "feeling of being hollow." In Webster's dictionary the word hollow is described as having a cavity or space within, concaved or sunken. I think we have all felt sunken or deflated at times. Perhaps we didn't get that grade we wanted or a position we felt we deserved. Or maybe someone made fun of us because of our clothes, body or religion.

Whatever caused our emptiness, God wants to fill those spaces in our lives. He says in Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." How encouraging! That doesn't mean we will get a Corvette or some material object that we have been wanting. However, God does provide our physical and emotional needs as we ask according to His will.

Below are seven ways to overcome occasional depression. Keep in mind that I am not talking about clinical depression that requires professional help. However, there are times when we need encouragement to fill that "aching hollow space."

1. Humbly recognize your worth before God.

God has a special plan and purpose for your life. You are set apart for the most special training on earth today. When you pray, study your Bible, attend Sabbath and Holy Day services, participate in youth camps and other church activities, you are allowing God to instruct you. Often those who are feeling down lose sight of their abilities, and the importance of their calling. God is involved in your day-to-day life. HE wants to hear from YOU. He knows your temptations and the trials you face.

Hebrews 4:15 encourages us, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." He wants to help us with our struggles and rejoice in our successes.

2. Feel your feelings.

Ecclesiastes 7:3 says, "Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made better." You are probably thinking, "How can that be?" I know our society tells us things like, "boys don't cry," "be tough" and "don't let them see you sweat."

It is OK to cry and feel sorrow or discouragement. When we bottle up our emotions and stuff them deep within our hollow spaces, refusing to deal with them, we set ourselves up for physical and emotional health problems. Many adolescents lack understanding of how to deal with the anger, hurt and resentment that plague their insides. Afraid of emotions, some learn destructive coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol that hurt others as well as themselves.

Making amends can be a humbling process, but it's a necessary step to get on track for a healthier life. Ephesians 4:26 advises us not to let the sun go down before we have dealt with a matter that has upset us.

3. Look to the Psalms.

Do you know people who seem to "have it all"? They are popular, good looking and witty. Appearing "calm, cool and collected," their confident air can intimidate us. As one of the most respected and influential men of his time, King David must have impacted those around him in much the same way. Even God referred to him as a man after His own heart! In Psalm 55:17 David states, "Evening and morning and noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice."

No matter in what circumstances David found himself, he continually trusted in God's deliverance. However, the book of Psalms allows us to penetrate into the "aching hollow spaces" of David's heart. Although invisible to the average man of his day, David's inner core is intimately expressed in the Psalms. He was not uncomfortable expressing his deepest emotions to his Heavenly Father, even when he felt completely cut off from God.

When we feel this way, perhaps we have neglected our own spiritual life, and the physical has become more important. On the other hand, we could be doing all the right things and still experience depression. These times are seasons of growth we all must go through in our Christian walk.

4. Focus on the positive.

Even when we are struggling with depression, we can be in an "attitude of gratitude." Take time to praise God for positive things. Keep a gratitude journal and write down what God has given you. It may be as simple as "I am alive today! I have food to eat. I have a roof over my head." I know this may sound trite, but there are many in this world who don't have basic needs we can take for granted. Count your blessings! When we start to focus on the positive, the trials don't seem to be as overwhelming. A walk in the park or a bicycle ride can get the heart pumping and help us see things from a fresh perspective.

Another positive focus during our dark times should be the future that awaits us; visualize your life in the Kingdom of God. Focus on God, His plan and His purpose. Paul gives us excellent advice in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

5. Talk to someone.

God is our #1 counselor. People are His resources and can help, too. Many older men and women have experienced disappointment. Ask how they are overcoming their challenges. Choose someone with whom you can be honest. Parents may be a good choice. However, you are not limited. God has provided the Church as our spiritual family.

There are many benefits to having a trusted friend. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." God did not intend for us to be an island floating disconnected on a raging sea. He has provided others to help us grow and mature.

6. Do something nice for someone else.

One important principle dealing with depression is that reaching out to someone in need changes our focus. Send cards to shut-ins, or others who are in emotional or physical pain. Take time to do an errand for an elderly neighbor. Call a friend and inquire about his or her day. Take small steps to come out of yourself. These acts of selflessness may just snap you out of the doldrums and help you gain a more positive focus.

7. Remember: this too shall pass.

Nothing lasts forever. Life ebbs and flows. The next time you are feeling down or discouraged, remember there is a silver lining. Try not to take yourself and the rough spots so seriously. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."

We are supposed to experience not only joy and success in this life, but trials and dark times as well. When you are in one of those sunken places, don't forget joy is one of the fruits of God's Spirit, and ask God to fill that hollow space.

These are just a few suggestions to help us when we struggle with depression. This life is a training ground for the bigger vision God has in store for us. Revelation 21:4 tells us that a future time is coming when the "aching hollow spaces" will disappear forever. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

We have an awesome future in store for us! The trials we have now God says cannot compare to this glorious time. VT