Going Through Trials and Depression

We have been looking at trials and how to see them through God’s eyes. We want to have a Biblical perspective of all things… So that we may think rightly and responded rightly.

Our thinking is going to take us places… either to light or darkness.

And in light of recent tragedy in the community… I would like to address our minds some more.

Life brings challenges. The world, the flesh and the devil bring various trials and pains.

The devil comes to steal kill and destroy.

The world and the flesh is effected by sin.

Pain is here and now, and pain is coming.

But will we do with our pain?

Lets look at some painful passages:

Psalm 69:1-3; 69:13-21

Psalm 88:1-18

Psalm 102:1-7

35 million Americans reported suffer depression sever enough to be treated for it.

People born after 1950 are ten times more likely to experience depression than others born before.

Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men.

Through trials… depression may set into people’s lives… even Christians.

There may be only brief moments… from a few minutes to a few days...

And there can be periods of depression (clinical depression) that lasts for long periods of time.

The Thoughts: Negative thoughts, meditate on lack of worth, lack of competence, self-condemning; think that your are nothing, worth nothing, its all my fault… This is happening because of me… God is not for me; He is against me; God does not love me… I have exhausted God’s grace; He could never forgive me… I am an accident… Thoughts could be all over the place, focusing on lies, and not God’s promises...

The Feelings: Long-term sadness, low self-esteem, self-critical, feelings of guilt, shame, worthlessness, and helplessness, pessimism and hopelessness…

Behavior: This leads to being down, no motivation, social withdrawal, always complaining, never joyful, neglecting themselves, not being productive, cutting themselves down...

Physical health: More sleeping, no energy, no interests leads to more apathy, not eating well, drinking well, not exercising, getting outside, taking medications or vitamins, not getting good sleep… This compounds issues and pains...

And given enough time… and enough pain… there is a place of helplessness and hopeless that people can find themselves in… and the only option they believe that they are left with is Self-Termination.

Recent stats say that over one million people commit suicide every year...

Many more consider it, attempt it, or survive it...

After so much pain… with no hope that it is going to get better...

Suicide becomes the ultimate “I give up,” statement.

It becomes the surrender to the belief… to the belief… that life is not worth the living… and this is the solution.

John 10:10 - Jesus says that He has come to give life and life in abundance...

The enemy desires to kill, steal, and destroy… By Jesus has come to give you real, everlasting life.

Can Christians come to this place of depression and suicide?

Can Holy Spirit filled people become depressed?

Job expressed a desire to die in his pain.

Jonah expressed a desire to die in his anger/pain.

Moses will ask God to take his life when he was suffering the people.

Ecclesiastes 2:17 - Solomon expressed hatred towards life in his pursuit of pleasure.

2 Corinthians 1:8 - We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

But Elijah, the prophet of God… the man of God… a man who was filled with the Spirit of God.

He was used by God to shut of the heavens. He was used to do miracles. He slew all of those false prophets. He called down fire from heaven… prayed the rains down, and outran the chariots back to the city of Jezreel.

He expected revival, no doubt… But received threats from Jezebel… She threatened to kill Elijah.

And what did Elijah do? (1 Kings 19)

He arose, ran for his life, isolated himself, sat under a shade tree… in a dark place… and prayed for God to take his life… “It is enough! I am no better than my fathers!”

And the Lord had mercy on Elijah. The Lord sent him an angel to help him.

Elijah needed sleep. The angel awoke him to eat twice and to drink twice.

And Elijah rested, ate, and drank… and then he went to get alone with God on the mountain.

And God revealed Himself to Elijah and put the prophet’s mind and heart in the right place...

And put Elijah back on the mission…

You are not finished… There is more to do...

Can Christians experience pains that will drive us to depression and possibly suicide? Yes.

Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression...

This is true for anyone...

We must keep ourselves from getting in this darkness.

How? By staying in the light. By filling the eyes, the mind and heart with light.

God keeps in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Jesus is the light of the world...

God’s Word is a lamp and a light to us all...

Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

God’s good word will lead, guide, guard, and direct us always… and keep us in the light.

There is also something to say about speaking life, and being around others that will speak life.

A good word from a brother or sister could stir us up and encourage us...

There is a great need for families and churches to do this on a regular basis.

There is a need to preach a good word over ourselves - Psalm 42:5 - Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him...

Speak to the feelings. Speak to the soul. Preach to yourself the truth… In faith...

The mind must repent for everything else to turn...

We must think rightly. We must believe what is true and meditate on it.

Romans 12:2 - Renew your minds...

2 Corinthians 10:5 - Bring every though into captivity...

Philippians 4:6-9 - Be anxious for nothing, pray about everything, remain thankful to God; meditate on truth and heavenly realities...

Then... peace will come and guard you...

Read it, pray it, sing it, and get around others who will do the same.

And… and … confess to one another...

James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Talk to God and talk to one another.

Get the sinful thoughts out.

Get the sinful ideas out.

Let God in. Let your family in.

And family… we are to listen well...

Do not shut them down.

Wash over one another with gracious and caring words, with Scripture, with God’s promises; remind them of God’s love… and love them through their pain...

When they believe we will not listen and love them… They will not talk to us.

And they just may isolate themselves...

They have hurt, anger, resentment… and all kinds of issues...

But here we are as Christ’s representatives, agents of reconciliation… pointing them to the light.

Listen well… support… keep communication on going...

Depressed people most likely are not meditating on God in those times. Depression pains a soul to turn away from the Lord and to run away from Him...

We are surrounded by people who need help.

And we do not want people even considering the ideas of suicide or self-termination.

Is suicide a sin? Yes, self-murder is a sin. Our bodies and lives belong to the Lord. We do not have the right to end our own lives...

Suicide is a sin against God and others.

Life and death is in the Lord’s hands. (Psalm 31:15 - My times are in God’s hands...) God is the Giver of life; He gives and takes away (Job 1:21).

Suicide reveals a belief in a lie about God, and what God has said.

Can a person be forgiven for suicide?

Which sin did Jesus not die for?

Jesus stated that the only unpardonable sin is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Suicide does not determine our eternal destiny

Receiving/believing on the Lord Jesus Christ determines our eternal destiny.

God’s grace determines our destiny… and we are save by grace alone though faith alone...

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...

Whosoever believes in him will never perish but will have everlasting life...

However: We should not take our lives into our own hands and play God.

We should not sin against God… our family, our friends, and others...

Suicide… doesn’t end with that one person… It effects a multitude.

For those who are experiencing depression or grief:

There is comfort and help to be found in Jesus.

There is safety and security for every child of God.

There are unlimited promises to every believer.

We have a Father… We have a Loving Savior who can empathize with our weaknesses and pains...

So what do we do? Hebrews 4:15–16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Romans 8:15-17 - The Spirit of God within us does not give us a spirit of fear or bondage… but the Spirit of adoption by who we cry out “Abba Father...”

Recognize the voice of the enemy and the work of the enemy… turn from the lie… to the voice of truth.

Cling to Christ. Cling to His promises.

Remember other godly people have suffered these pains as well… even Christ.

1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time… he may exalt you, casting all your cares/anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

God understands and He cares… and He does not want to leave you where you are.

And as the church, (Ephesians 4:32) may we be reminded to encourage one another, to carry one another’s burdens, be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one anther, even as Christ forgave you...

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

Hebrews 10:24–25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Use your words and your lives to build up others… not to tear them down.

We are getting enough of that out there in the world...

We do not need it in here...

We need light and life...

What you are saying and how you are treating people every day… is making a difference.

And you just may be saving a life along the way...

Christ has come to give life...

And we are here to imitate Christ...

Close.