by Deana Adams, Ph.D., LPC-S

We all know that vitamins are great for our physical health. However, many people forget to take vitamins for their emotional/spiritual health. So, I thought I would share with you some of the vitamins that I’ve taken over the years that has helped me recover from depression and live in victory.

Vitamin J: It all begins with Jesus. If you haven’t accepted Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior, do so. Then you can access over 7000 promises He has for you in His word.  Think about that … 7000+ promises that are yours for the taking! For example, Jesus is your strength and shield (Psalm 28:7). He is your ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Vitamin W: My parents took me to church and in Sunday School I learned about a King named Solomon. He prayed for wisdom. Well, I thought, if he did it, I could too!

Vitamin C: Recently I added this vitamin to my mental/spiritual health regimen…that is Courage. It is not enough to pray for wisdom if you don’t have the courage to follow through.  Wisdom and Courage are 2 sides of the same coin.

Vitamin P: Pam Rosewell Moore was the last traveling companion of Corrie ten Boom. Tante Corrie used to tell Pam, pray for God to let you see the small things small and the big things big. She would also say, ask God to show you things from His perspective. Vitamin P is perspective.  When depression hits, our perspective is damaged. It is hard to see clearly…vision is muddled.

Vitamin T: Truth. Standing on truth gives you the best standing in the storms of life. Ask God to show you what is true about a situation. He says that “I am the ways, the truth, and the life…”

Vitamin I: Another valuable tool that Pam taught me through her own life and the lives of Tante Corrie and Brother Andrew is the power of intercession. Prayer and intercession are the most effective tools we have for victory. They are the most important tools in healing. Brother Andrew says that many people pray for things, but praying against things is also important. Smuggler’s Prayer.  Have people pray for you. You pray for others.

Vitamin B2: God will use your brokenness for His glory and other’s blessing. He never wastes a tear. He never wastes a hardship. He will bless your faithfulness to Him.  He give you the strength to never give up.

Vitamin S: Never be ashamed of your Scars. Jesus showed His scars to Thomas and he believed. We are to share our stories with one another.

Vitamin L: No matter what, you have to choose life.  At some point, you will have to lay down suicide as an option.  You will have to intentionally choose life. Sometimes it is a second by minute by hour decision. Eventually, it becomes a periodic recommitment. Mostly, it will be a daily surrender.

Vitamin H: Lastly, let me share the vitamin that I can sometimes on an hourly basis. Hope. You know this well. Without it, we lose sight of all things beautiful.

May we grab hold of the Chronic/Unceasing/Unending Hope that GOD, our GOD who never fails us or leaves us will always provide. Therein lies our Victory.  So Friends, take your vitamins!

Amen.