Overcoming Depression
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” Psalm 42:5 NIV
How to Get Depressed:
1. Live in exhaustion and isolation.
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 1 Kings 19:3-4 NIV
2. Focus on the negative, overlooking God’s many blessings.
“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.” 1 Kings 19:3 NIV
“I have had enough, Lord…” 1 Kings 19:4 NIV
“Forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2 NIV
3. Compare yourself to others.
“I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4 NIV
4. Let your emotions drive your decision making.
“Take my life; I am no better…”. 1 Kings 19:4 NIV
How to Get Un-Depressed:
1. Focus on your health. (eat, sleep, repeat).
“Then an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’” 1 Kings 19:5 NIV
“He lay down and slept.” 1 Kings 19:5 NIV
“There by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water.” 1 Kings 19:6 NIV
2. Regulate your schedule.
“The angel of the Lord came back a second time…”. 1 Kings 19:7 NIV
“Morning by morning you awaken me.” Psalm 143:8 NIV
“For the journey is too much for you.” 1 Kings 19:7 NIV
Whatever is true...think about these things... Philippians 4:8 NIV
“His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Lamentations 3:23 ESV
3. (Re) discover your purpose.
Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days..until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:8 NIV
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NAS
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 138:8 NIV
4. (Re) Connect with God’s people.
“God sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68:6 NIV
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha.. 1 Kings 19:19 NIV
Message Note: The Holy Bible, New International Version, New American Standard. Soul Leadership, by Steve Robinson. Out of the Cave: Stepping into the Light When Depression Darkens What You See, by Chris Hodges. Five Keys to Dealing with Depression, by Gregory L Jantz, Ph.D.