Wednesday Night Bible Study 25 November 2020

It’s OKAY not to be OKAY so let’s TALK Part II

Whether you're out of work, having health problems or wondering how you're going to make it through family or financial problems, it's easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. Sometimes the weight of everyday cares and disappointments and the nagging feeling of hopelessness and lack of fulfillment can trigger the blues and even depression. What does the Bible say about how to deal with discouragement and deeper negative feelings of depression?

The Bible shows that humanity has suffered from discouragement and depression since the beginning. Depression can affect all people, small and great. Many Bible heroes, such as David, Moses, Job and Elijah, dealt with it. What can we learn from their examples and biblical principles?

Perhaps you are tired too. Does it seem like you're doing your best, only to have one crisis after another come upon you? Do you feel like the world is crashing in on you, and there's nothing you can do about it? Do you want to just give up?

God's Word has plenty to say about discouragement and depression and how to deal with both.

We should also recognize that more severe forms of depression can lead to or be caused by certain physical and psychological disorders. We would encourage anyone suffering from severe depression to seek the guidance of a trained counselor or mental health professional in addition to applying the biblical tools discussed in this study.

Last week we studied:

I. What is a root cause of depression?

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred (delayed, waiting) makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

We become depressed when we lose hope, when we see no end in sight to our problems, thoughts of just giving up will surface.

This week we are studying the following:

II. Who takes advantage of this moment of weakness?

Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Our struggle will always seem to be against flesh and blood. Isn’t it people who get in our way? Isn’t it even ourselves that are our own worst enemy? Maybe sometimes there is some truth to that, but the ultimate reality is that we are in a spiritual battle that can only be fought with spiritual weapons.

For a time, satan has a measure of authority to cause harm. Just as the Nazis were actually defeated on D-Day, but continued killing and causing trouble until V-Day, satan, a defeated enemy (Col 2:15) is not yet fully routed. Jesus has left the Church to continue to plunder his house until the end of the age.

While it is unhealthy to become obsessed with satan and demons, it is fruitless to deny their existence. But the very weakest of Christians have enough of the power of God and the authority over every demon of hell and should not be afraid. The evil one, has one main weapon that he uses most effectively: the power of lies to deceive.

The evil one is actually powerless against the church (Mt 16:1818 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.)

2 Corinthians 2:7, 11 So that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow...
Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Satan and his demons want you and me to fail. They want us to give up. So when we are discouraged, Satan will make sure he broadcasts his evil thoughts and ways toward us. We must guard our thoughts, or our minds will pick up on his wavelength, and we will become even more discouraged (1 Peter 5:6-9).

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

III. Where is the first place you should go when you are depressed?

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Psalm 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Our human nature doesn't want us to acknowledge we need help, but God tells us to go to Him when we are discouraged. Even though Satan tries to broadcast his evil thoughts to us, God can protect us and give us an amazing and powerful peace of mind. Just as God strengthened Elijah's hope, He can strengthen ours as well .

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Where else should you turn when you are discouraged?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Proverbs 27:10 (New Living Translation) Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.

Turning inward is not the way to deal with depression. We need to be with our friends so they can encourage and help us. As we read earlier, Satan is compared to a roaring lion. A lion attacks one that is weak and separated from the herd. Being with friends and family will build us up, protect us and help us stay strong. 

Apply Now

God doesn't want you to be depressed. When you're feeling overwhelmed, pray to God and ask Him for peace of mind. Do what is in your power to help your situation, then trust in and wait on God to do the rest. Take time this week to help others, and spend more time with your friends. Do something that will bring a smile to your face, and meditate on good things.

With continuous application of the principles in these lessons, together with medical treatment if necessary, you'll discover that your heavy yoke of depression will be lighter!