This document provides daily readings and reflections for dealing with crises and depression from November 14-18, 2011. The readings draw from Psalms, Proverbs, Jeremiah, Matthew, Philippians, Isaiah, Romans, and Psalms and encourage seeking God, his kingdom, and righteousness over worrying. They emphasize trusting in God's love, control, provision and protection even during difficult times rather than depending on one's own understanding. The reflections promote calling others for prayer and support, quietly submitting to God's will, and gaining perspective that he is fighting for and not against his people.

1. This week's Quiet Times: November 14-18, 2011
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!

2. 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
Cor. 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
good¾if 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!