Dealing With Depression - pgs 204-210
Realize
1. Read Psalm 42. Describe some of the circumstances David was facing and how he was feeling when he wrote this psalm.
2. Which verses in this passage show that David...
- was honest with God about how he was feeling?
- made himself face the root issues of his depression?
- turned to God in his depression?
- counseled his heart according to the Truth of God's character?
- exercised faith in God's ultimate victory over his feeling and circumstances?
Reflect
3. It is commonly assumed today that depression is caused by physiological and neurological problems. But the Scriptures indicate that spiritual issues can actually produce physical and emotional symptoms of depression. Select two or three of those issues (top of page 205) and explain how they could contribute to symptoms of depression.
4. Describe an occasion whey you experienced physical or emotional symptoms related to depression, as a result of one or more of these spiritual issues.
5. Select two or three of the following "divine resources" and explain why they are important in dealing with depression: prayer, forgiveness, confession of sin, obedience, acceptance, yielding "rights", the body of Christ, God's grace, the Word, praise and faith.
6. Many Christians have experienced a "dark night of the soul", even while they are walking with God. Read Isaiah 50:10; Hebrews 4:14-16; and 12:3. According to God's Word, what should a believer do at such times?
Respond
7. Read Psalm 42:11. Write it in your own words below, putting your name where the psalmist says "O my soul". Write this verse on a card, and put it in a place where you will be reminded to quote it to yourself as needed.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are my Light in the darkness, my Hope in times of despair, and my Helper in life's most desperate hours. You life up my head. No matter how great the darkness I am experiencing emotionally, help me to look to You, to wait patiently for You, and to trust that You are faithful and that Your mercy and grace will sustain me. Amen.
1 comment:
I never would have thought that I would need to read anything on depression. The Lord really used this to get my attention. I have been dealing with some difficult people at work and was ready to throw in the towel. The Lord has used this section to open my eyes on how I deal with difficult times. She said that it was easier to mask the pain with food or sleep or drown out our feelings with the blare of television before we go to God. What a statement. I have found that I am guilty of looking for other ways to calm my spirit than going to the One who IS the Prince of Peace. He already knows the outcome and is already in the future preparing for me but I have to be willing to meet with Him on His terms (not my own) to get the direction I need to go. Please pray for me this week in my job as I deal with these people that I can show Christ to them even when they complain.
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