From Podcast 004 with Pastor Alex Rodriguez
A battle drill is "a collective action rapidly executed without applying a deliberate decision-making process." (FM 25-101, 4.1) In battle, it is these battle drills that are practiced over and over again until they are ingrained in your mind and become muscle memory. These battle drills are tactics that are used to maneuver and fight on the battlefield without a descriptive plan. Everyone is on the same page and responds in sync.
We need the same in our spiritual warfare. This is a battle drill for fighting depression in the power of Christ. For more on depression, listen to The Godly Grunt Podcast Episode 004 with Pastor Alex Rodriguez.
Prep the Battlefield: When fighting any temptation or problem it is good to “prep the battlefield”. In war, this looks like sending artillery fire or having aircraft do a gun run on a target to make it “soft”. That way when the infantry goes through a lot of damage has already been done.
In our spiritual battles especially that of depression, this takes two forms: first scripture memorization, and second placing scripture or prayer cards in certain areas. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11). It is important that we realize that the initial feeling of depression is not sin but that dwelling in that and not turning to the Lord is. Have your heart hidden and full of scripture. For depression try to memorize Psalm 42 which we will be going through in a few of the other parts of this battle drill.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
This is the second part of prepping the battlefield to take the places of depression and make them a place of worship and prayer. There are different triggers that spiral us into depression. Is it a song? A certain room? A text from a certain person? Whatever it is, if possible, avoid that place, but if you cannot, then place scripture or prayer in that area. To use the example of a text. When that person texts you, put a scripture verse as their contact photo or in their contact’s name. This trigger is found through doing an AAR after you have made it through the valley.
Call for Fire: When you are facing this depression, know that you are not alone. You need to have some immediate suppression so that you can start to maneuver this depression through the power of Christ. You need to reach out to a battle buddy or multiple. Text them CFF (Call for Fire) as a signal for prayer and have them confirm that they are praying for you that way you know that you are not alone and that the body of Christ is functioning the way it should be. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16)
Identify: When you start to feel depressed detach. “I am falling into depression right now.” Take a step back in your mind and don’t allow the initial feeling to overwhelm you. David was someone in the Bible who struggled with seasons of depression, which can be seen in the Psalms. In Psalm 42:5a says, Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
David is detaching from himself and asking why this is happening. He knows that once he identifies the problem he can go before the Lord with more boldness and clarity, being specific in his prayers and refuge in God.
Report: The next “step” is to report to God what you are feeling in prayer. Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, (Psalm 42:5b). Hope and pray to the Lord. You have identified and questioned yourself as to why you are feeling this way, now take it to the Lord in prayer out loud. You are hearing yourself going to the Lord knowing that He is there. He is your Father who loves you and promises that He will be with you in these times of trouble. Pray to Him and seek him.
Take Refuge: my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore, I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. (Psalm 42:5c-6) Now it is time to take refuge in the promises the Lord has for us in scripture. Focus on how He has delivered you before and what the scriptures say. What has God promised or spoken on in this valley you have entered into? Go to those promises in scripture. Read them line by line. After you finish the first thought in the verse pray it to the Lord, then continue throughout that promise.
Example: Be strong and courageous. Lord, I know you want me to be strong and courageous in this time, but I feel weak and I need your spirit to strengthen me and give me that courage. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. Lord, I have no reason to fear this because I know you go out before me. Your rod and staff protect me and that is my comfort. Lord be with me not to fear but to know you are fighting for me. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Lord, you tell me that you will never leave nor forsake me. In this time, I feel that you are not here, but Lord you promise that this is not true. I know that you are here with me through this and that you have not left. Strengthen me, Lord.
You Can Overcome With Christ: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 (Corinthians 10:13)
God will not allow you to go through anything that with the Holy Spirit you cannot handle. You need to know this when you are going through it. Follow the battle drill and see the way of escape. When you text CFF to a buddy follow up with them, or even call them and talk through the problem with them. But seek God first, then find that way of escape. Rely on Him because that is what He is trying to do through you.
AAR: After the depression has passed do an After Action Report (AAR). Reflect on what caused this and how you reacted. Consider journaling it and praying to the Lord to help you sharpen your response next time. This will not be an overnight process. But be faithful to the Lord and He will give you the strength to overcome in His might. All glory be to God.
Written by,
John Cooper Jr. from a conversation with Pastor Alex Rodriquez
Godly Grunt 6
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