Emotions Feelings

1. HOPE AGAINST DEPRESSION LESSON # 7

2. Key Text: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NIV).

3. INTRODUCTION: Depression, or extreme discouragement to the point of becoming disabled, has been experienced since the inception of sin. A number of Bible characters displayed symptoms that probably would meet today’s diagnostic criteria for depression.

4. Hopelessness is a symptom of depression, and the biblical message of hope can offer us so much in contrast to a world that offers so little. All people, at times, face moments of extreme discouragement for any variety of reasons. No wonder, then, that the Word of God is filled with promises that can give all of us, no matter our situation, reasons to hope for a better future, if not in this world, then certainly in the next.

5. Of course, when depression is severe, it’s important to get professional help when possible. The Lord can work through these people to help those who are in need of special care. After all, regardless of your relationship with God, were you physically ill you would seek the help of a doctor or health professional. It’s the same with those who are suffering from severe clinical depression, which often is caused by a genetic predisposition and chemical imbalance in the brain. Thus, even Christians, at times might need the help of professionals. 19.3% 52.7 % 28%

8. Lengthysilences.

9. Thinking and makingdecisionswithdifficulty and lack of memory.

10. Lowworking performance.

11. Alteration in appetite and weightlossorincrease.

12. Lack of motivationtoperformanyactivity.

13. Excessiveguilt.

14. Suicidalthoughts.

15. Unjustifiedtiredness and fatigue, especially in themorning.

16. Great sadness.

17. Sleepdisorders.WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION? Not everyone has the same symptoms.

19. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. Psalms. (Psalms 42:5-8.)

20. My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me,saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalms 42:10-11).

22. DEPRESSION OF HEZEKIAH “I said, “In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?” I said, “I will not again see the LORD himself in the land of the living; no longer will I look on my fellow man, or be with those who now dwell in this world. Like a shepherd’s tent my house has been pulled down and taken from me. Like a weaver I have rolled up my life, and he has cut me off from the loom; day and night you made an end of me. I waited patiently till dawn, but like a lion he broke all my bones; day and night you made an end of me.” (Isaiah 38:10-13).

23. HEZEKIAH’S SICKNESS “I cried like a swift or thrush, I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. I am being threatened; Lord, come to my aid!” But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul.

26. HOW SHOULD WE TREAT A DEPRESSED PERSON? Don’t blame him/her for that depression; don’t think that he/she is not a true believer (or that he/she is far from God) just because he/she is depressed. 2. Let’s remember Jesus’ words: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew, 7: 1-2) 3. Listen him/her and be understanding. 4. Help him/her to not to renounce his/her faith and stick to biblical promises.

27. HOW CAN WE FIND RELIEF WHEN DEPRESSED? Praying. Don’t forget that we have the Therapist who will always listen to us, no matter when. Talking. It may be to a friend, to a brother or to a therapist. Mixing with others. Church is a good place to relieve our depression by fraternizing with our brothers and sisters. Helping others. We keep our thought about ourselves away by helping others.

28. HOWTO CURE DEPRESSION? We must turn to a professional when depression has a physical cause (or example, the lack of a mineral) We must ask and accept divine forgiveness when depression is caused by a sin. God has the solution for you, no matter which is the cause of your depression. Just devote yourself to God and seek his mercy, grace and health.

29. “Keep looking unto Jesus, offering up silent prayers in faith, taking hold of His strength, whether you have any manifest feeling or not. Go right forward as if every prayer offered was lodged in the throne of God and responded to by the One whose promises never fail. Go right along, singing and making melody to God in your hearts, even when depressed by a sense of weight and sadness. I tell you as one who knows, light will come, joy will be ours, and the mists and clouds will be rolled back. And we pass from the oppressive power of the shadow and darkness into the clear sunshine of His presence” E.G.W. (Mind, character and personality, vol. 2, cp. 58 pp. 242, 243).

30. ADAPT it!Teaching Approach Effective for SMALL GROUPS ASSOCIATE truth – Why should I study this lesson?DISCOVER truth – What does the Bible say about this truth?APPLY truth – How can this truth affect my life today?PLAN using the truth – How can I use this truth today?TRANSFER truth to life – What changes do I need in my life? We invite you to download and study each one of the 13 lessons about Emotions Slideshare.net/chucho1943