Armed Against DepressionChikamu

Day Eight: Communication with our Commander

Communication is key in any military unit. When in battle, units send their commander a situation report (SITREP). In the report, their superior officer will be given detailed information on the unit’s situation. It allows for units to move more quickly and decisively.

The SITREP must be complete and thorough enough for the commander to be aware of all that is happening. With these reports, units don’t need as much supervision because they are constantly checking in. But should changes need to be made, the commander can decide what happens next, and with all units accurately providing insights on their situation, all units can work in synch and hopefully have the support and resources needed to do what they came to accomplish.

Military units report their location, to make sure to get confirmation they are in the right place. Without that data, the unit might end up being ambushed, overrun fellow units or not be able to get supplies. They need to explain what is happening, and what they are observing.

In the same way, a key part of your battle against our enemy is your direct reports to Jesus, the head of our unit and our commanding officer. He longs to hear us tell him our situation and review it carefully with us. Jesus already has complete knowledge of our situation, but he deeply desires for our time to sort things out with him. There is psychological power in processing the details of our lives and we can find clarity and strength in conversing with God.

Depression can quickly sabotage our ability to think. In those times, God isn’t waiting for you to find the right words to get his support. He has someone speaking on your behalf. If we find ourselves unable to give him a situation report, the Spirit puts one together and speaks to Jesus for you. Isn’t that amazing? In my depressive state, I tend to look to the internet, friends, or other places for direction, but it’s Jesus I need to consult with.

In addition to personal reports on your situation, there is also power in meeting with other members of your direct unit to find out the status of your community. Soldiers don’t go into the battlefield on their own. They are in groups, working and coordinating with their unit to advance. The group shares supplies and resources, and each soldier brings with them their talents and personal strengths to their team. In the same way, you need a unit to advance against depression. You cannot do this alone.

To do: Look at your schedule and carve out time to talk to Jesus about your situation. Don’t be afraid to talk authentically to him, even if you find yourself upset and angry! Make time to talk with other believers and confide in them.

Jesus, our commander in chief, thank you for always being ready and willing to take our updates and process our lives with us. Please guide us as we advance against our enemy and provide us with your insights, wisdom, and comfort to stay in the battle. Give us people who will fight alongside with us!

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Captain Karl J. Watje is currently serving as a Logistics Officer in the United States Marine Corps at 3d Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2009 and was commissioned in 2015. He has served his country across the Continental U.S., Canada, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Egypt, Brazil, and Japan. He holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership and is pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Captain Watje has committed himself to being a life-long learner and enjoys reading and mentoring others.

Jenita Pace, MA. Ed, LPC, is the author of The Healing Names of Jesus: Find Freedom from Depression and Anxiety, a devotional which explores thirty-one names of God to help you deepen your understanding of who he is, find meaning in your pain, and renew your strength. Learn more at https://bit.ly/TheHealingNamesofJesus.