Testimony: Part 2 - Breaking Spiritual Chains

Depression can feel like an invisible weight, an oppressive chain that binds not only our minds but our spirits, keeping us from experiencing God’s peace, joy, and hope. It’s not just a battle of the mind, but often a spiritual struggle as well. In the depths of depression, it can feel like God is far away, but His word reminds us that He is always near, ready to break every chain that binds us.  The Bible offers hope and guidance for breaking free from these spiritual chains. Just as Paul and Silas, shackled in prison, were set free by the power of prayer and worship, so too can we find liberation through spiritual means.

It was during one of my lowest points, after an unpleasant breakdown and a powerful encounter with God (a story for another time), that I met Wianette.  I was jobless and confused but trusted that God had a plan. I decided to go to a Worship evening at church alone, I saw this lady sitting alone at a table and she called me to sit with her.  Out of politeness I accepted.  We had an instant connection and I thank God for her daily.  It so happened that she was urgently looking for someone to fill a position at her work and what do you know… I needed a job.  Through the job and church, we became very close, and I felt comfortable is sharing things with her. Admitting my struggle and that I was on medication was terrifying, but in sharing with Wianette, I began to realize that this was part of breaking my chains. I was no longer hiding.

The first step in healing is recognizing that there are chains. Whether these chains are rooted in past trauma, unforgiveness, self-doubt, or spiritual oppression, identifying them is crucial. In Isaiah 61:1, the prophet declares,

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."

Depression can feel like a prison, but God promises freedom to those who are bound. Admitting that we are struggling is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing.

By talking about my depression, Wia would often encourage me to look for roots that we can pray into and even though it was not easy as some roots were rooted very deep it became easier.

 She taught me to invite God into the battle.  That we don’t do this in our own strength but with God.  When facing depression, it’s easy to turn inward, to try to fight the battle alone. But the truth is, we don’t have to. God invites us to bring our burdens to Him. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

There is immense power in surrender. By turning to God, we acknowledge that we cannot break these chains on our own, but we trust that He can. Prayer becomes our weapon in this spiritual battle, a direct line to the One who can heal the deepest wounds.

She then pointed out lies that I have believed to be true.  Lies the enemy planted and I held onto. We had to break the Chains of Lies. One of the most common spiritual chains that contribute to depression is the lie of unworthiness. Satan, the father of lies, plant seeds of doubt in our hearts, whispering that we are not good enough, not lovable, and beyond hope. But these are lies that stand in direct opposition to God’s truth.

In John 8:32, Jesus declares, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 

The truth of God’s Word is that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), that He has plans to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11), and that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). As we immerse ourselves in these truths, the lies begin to lose their power.

I think the hardest step for me was forgiving the person that had molested me as young child. 

Forgiveness = Freedom

I remember the night so well, at our homegroup during prayer I had to loudly & boldly forgive this person in front our friends, they had no idea why I said it, but they all stood by me, holding me up as I felt my knees give away under me – it was so difficult, but it was worth it.  The minute I did it, I felt the chains break off.  In Colossians 3:13, we are reminded to "bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." When we choose to forgive, we release the heavy burden of bitterness and allow God’s healing power to flow freely into our hearts.

It was not an easy or quick journey.  It was difficult.  I had to re-live a lot of the trauma and pain to work through it.  Each time I worship, I am reminded that worship is not just a song; it’s a battle cry, a declaration of God’s sovereignty over my life, and a weapon to break the chains of depression.  Worship has the power to break spiritual chains like nothing else. It shifts our focus from the weight of our struggles to the greatness of God’s power. Just as Paul and Silas worshipped in prison (Acts 16:25-26) and saw their chains fall off, worship can bring breakthrough in the midst of depression.  Worship reminds us that we serve a God who is bigger than our battles. It lifts our eyes to the One who is capable of breaking every chain, including the chains of depression.

I stopped taking meds soon after my breakthrough, knowing that my Wia kept an eye on me and interceded on my behalf all the time.  I know that my spiritual sister will keep me accountable (funny thing is, she is an accountant). I no longer felt the need to hide my tender moments – in fact anyone who met me after this thinks I am a cry-baby – I cry all the time now and in public.

I learned to speak life over myself daily.  Proverbs 18:21 says,

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

The words we speak over ourselves have immense power. When we are trapped in depression, we often speak negatively about ourselves, reinforcing the chains that bind us. But God calls us to speak life.

Declare God’s promises over your life. Speak words of hope, healing, and freedom. When we align our words with God’s truth, we partner with Him in the process of breaking spiritual chains.

Trusting God in my healing process was important and I had to often remind myself that trusting God means I should not question the process.  Healing from depression is not instant. It is a journey of faith, trusting that God is at work even when we don’t see immediate results. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that

"faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Trust that God is with you in every step of the process,

working behind the scenes to bring healing, restoration, and joy.

Depression may feel like an unbreakable chain, but God’s power is greater than anything that holds us captive. Through prayer, truth, forgiveness, worship, and speaking life, we invite God to break the chains that bind us and to bring healing to our hearts and minds. Remember, you are never alone in the battle—God walks with you, ready to set you free.

As Isaiah 43:19 promises, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." 

Even in the midst of depression, God is making a way for your healing and freedom.

Trust in Him, and watch the chains fall.

If you are battling with depression and need someone to talk too, please don't hesitate. I am not a professional but would gladly be available for you.