INSIGHT
 

   When we consider the godly men of the Bible, we can’t help but to notice that many of them have had moments of despondency in their lives. Moses, a man considered to be an extremely humble man (Num. 12:3), had his moments of despondency. We read in Numbers 11:4-15 how he became so overwhelmed by the constant complaints of the Israelites, that he asked God to lift the burden, even if it meant his life. Joshua, a man known for his deep trust in the Lord and as “a man in whom is the spirit” (Num. 27:18), also had moments of despondency. In his prayer in Joshua 7:7a, he says, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?” Are these words of humble men? Are these attitudes of men in whom the spirit dwells? And the list goes on: Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Jeremiah (Jer. 15:10), Job (Job 10:1), King David (Ps. 42:6), the disciples (Lk. 24:17), and even Paul and Timothy (2 Cor. 1:8). Apparently, everyone undergoes moments of weakness and discouragement, even the best of God’s servants. But despite of the discouragement and hardships, their ultimate faithfulness to the Lord has proven to be effective in bringing each of them safely through their trials!

   We all undergo moments of discouragement in our lives. We all, at some point in our lives, experience health problems, financial problems, relationship problems, loneliness, or other personal struggles--all of which will bring upon depression. But in God, there is hope. Although we may experience troubles in this life, we can overcome depression through faith and hope in the good news of Christ. Active faith in the Lord is the key to overcoming depression! Paul said in Philippians 4:8-9 that  peace comes through setting our minds on things that are positive and through the practice of those positive things in the kingdom!
The Life in Christ
Overcoming Depression

Key Text:            Philippians 4:8-9
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Theme:

Christianity has never promised absence of problems. In fact, Jesus makes it clear that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). But how are we to overcome? The solution is to have an active faith in the One who overcame the world--Jesus Christ! Paul, in the spirit of Christ, encourages us to meditate upon and practice the things of God. This will certainly bring peace to our lives in the strength and hope of Christ! Is this not how we overcome depression in this life?
 

Application:

Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Seek prayers from the saints! Pray and

    have others pray for you to overcome

    personal struggles you are currently

    undergoing.

2. Seek advice! Seek input from faithful

   Christians when faced with difficulties.

3. Seek fellowship! Be in the company of

    other Christians. They will be a source of

    encouragement to you!

4. Get involved! Share the gospel and pray for

    studies; do your quiet times; call a sister or

    a brother; practice goodness! It helps!

5. Trust in God! Believe that He is able to see

     you through any circumstances in your life!

 

May the Lord richly bless you!

 

Sermon Outline

Overcoming Depression!

 

 I. Elijah, The Prophet

 

  A. Prior Events

 

   1. 1 Kings 17

       a. Israel cursed with a bad king--Ahab!

           --He was so bold to sin

       b. Israel blessed with a great prophet!

           --He was so bold to reprove

           --He didn’t taste death

           --He accompanied Christ in

              transfiguration

           --Other prophets prophesied & wrote

              Elijah prophesied and acted

           --He was a prophet of miracles!

        c. Elijah predicts drought (vs1)

            --God provides thru ravens(v2-6)

            --God provides thru widow (vs 7-9)

   2. 1 Kings 18

      a. Reform in Israel

            --exposes Ahab’s idolatry (vs 16-18)

            --He proves God is God (vs 30-39)

            --destroys false prophets (vs 40)

            --rain returns (vs 45)

   3. 1 Kings 19

       a. Elijah runs away

            --Jezebel seeks his life

            --Elijah’s depression (vs 3-9)

       b. Overcome by God’s provision

            --He encouraged him to eat

            --He put him to work (vs 15-17) to

              reform Israel again

 

 B. Our Role In Helping Others Overcome

 

  1. We are called to minister

      a. Take time to encourage with a call

      b. Take time to encourage with letters

      c. Take time to gladden a heart with

          a hug, smile or just an encouraging word

          --Prov. 14:13; 17:22

 

 C. Conclusion: Get actively involved!

      Phil 4:8-9--practice goodness and receive

                        the peace of God
Small Group Study

Warm-up:

What has recently got you depressed? How was your response during your depression? How did you overcome it?

 

See To It                           1 Kings 18-19:1-18

 

1. Read chapter 18. What was Elijah sent to do?

 

2. How did God work through Elijah?

 

3. What was Israel’s attitude toward Elijah after the

     proof that the Lord was God?

 

4. Read chapter 19:1-18. Why was Elijah’s

    afraid?

 

5. List the attributes of Elijah’s depression.

 

Seeing It Closer:

 

1. What do we notice about the Elijah of chapter 18

    and the Elijah of chapter 19:1-5?

 

2.What did Elijah need to get out of his depression?

 

3. How should we handle depression in our lives?

    Give an example.

 

4. How can we help others who are depressed?

 

Getting To It:

 

Pray for each other to be kingdom-minded people. Get involved in spiritual activities such as fellowships, prayer, evangelism, reading God’s word, etc., thus enhancing the peace of Christ and the focus of the cross in your life!

 

This week's Quiet Times:

Handling crises & depression...

 

MONDAY

David was a man who endured many crises. Wandering in the depths of despair caused him to always remember the greatness of God. He used his state of depression to affirm the greatness of God in his life. Read Psalm 139. From verse 3, who is it that can truly understand and empathize with your struggles? From verses 6-10, does David feel like removing himself from his immediate surroundings? What does he conclude about that? Verses 19-22 show what the source of David’s depression was. Did he justify his feeling of hatred or did He seek the guidance of the Lord? Throughout this crisis, who always remained at the center of David’s thoughts? Did David seek out to accomplish his own will? Who is in control of every step you take? Write Proverbs 3:5-6 on an index card and memorize it. Walk by faith and not by sight! Don’t depend on your limited foresight! Call a brother/sister who seems to be immersed in depression. Pray with them over the phone or in person. Make the Lord the center of your focus in your encouragement.

 

TUESDAY

“God designed His creation to have a dependency upon Him. Even the ordinary decisions of a day need the counsel of God, who instructs His creation to consult Him about even the most minute details, whether in the spiritual or secular realm.”  Jeremiah was a prophet who experienced many discouraging situations. He preached the word for many years, yet no one wanted to listen. Everyone rejected him and the word of God. Read Lamentations 3:21-26. What was it that gave Jeremiah hope? What is it that is renewed every morning? What was Jeremiah’s conclusion about the compassion of the Lord (verse 24)? Did Jeremiah get upset, or anxious, or annoyed with his situation? Did he stop preaching and serving God? NO! He quietly submitted to what the Lord was giving him at the moment. He waited quietly for the salvation of the Lord. This is the kind of attitude that promotes peace. Write Jeremiah 29:11 on an index card and memorize it.  How reassuring and caring is our Lord!

 

WEDNESDAY

Jesus teaches us how to deal with crises and stress: SEEK HIS KINGDOM---SEEK HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS! Read Matthew 6:33-34. What does the Lord promise? Do you believe His promise? What do you usually seek first when crisis or discouragement hit you? Do you seek to please yourself, or do you seek the kingdom and righteousness of God? KINGDOM=church, brethren, fellowship, edification, discipleship (physical & emotional support). RIGHTEOUSNESS =Bible, instruction, edification, correction, training, discipleship (spiritual & emotional support). Honestly now, are these the things you seek in anxiety?? With a promise like the Lord gives you, is there anything to worry about? The apostle Paul also encouraged the Philippians to continuously mediate on the things dealing with the Kingdom and righteousness. Read Philippians 4:8-9. These things that you meditate on must be the things that are practiced and the result will be peace. Write Isaiah 40:31 on an index card and memorize it. Hoping in the Lord and not in what we desire to happen is what gives us strength to carry on.

 

THURSDAY

Do you sometimes feel like no one is on your side? Like there’s a conspiracy against you? The devil is relentless in his attacks towards you but you need to remember who’s side you want to be on. Even though the Apostle Paul often felt desponded (2 Co. 4:8-9) he knew that nothing could separate him from God’s love. Read Romans 8:35-39. Is there something, according to this passage, that can separate you from God’s love? Even if you are against God He is on your side. He is fighting for you, not against you. Do you believe this? Can you believe then, that everything that happens to you, whether you perceive it to be good or bad, is ultimately for your own goodžif you love the Lord? Write Romans 8:28 on an index card and memorize it.

 

FRIDAY

Stress, anxiety and depression come from a lack of perspective of Who’s in control, Who’s providing and Who’s protecting. Psalm 23 sums up these qualities of our Lord beautifully. David paints for you a picture of unwavering trust. What is the Lord to David? What is the job of a shepherd? What did David see himself as? It is this perspective that is lacking when anxiety or depression rule our lives. The fact that God is providing for us and protecting us. Constantly accompanying us wherever we go. Did David have anything to fear? Do you have fear of something in this life (other than the fear of the Lord)? Verses 5-6 shows how David saw himself as a recipient of God’s lovingkindness (mercy). He saw himself as belonging in the house of God, not just as a guest-for-a-day. The Lord was his Father and David was just so thankful and blessed to be in His presence and at  the center of His attention. Is this how you see yourself? Write Hebrews 12:28-29 on an index card and memorize it. Be thankful!