Biblical Counseling

Lesson #6- Avoiding Despair in Difficult Times

What the Bible says about Depression:

Depression is not:

Distressing trials (1Peter 1:6)

Grief (John 11:33-35)

Disappointment at rejection (John 6:65-67)

Perplexing circumstances that tempt to despair (2Cor 1:8)

Depression is becoming despairing in perplexing circumstances.

Depression is a hopeless response to a tough problem that causes an inability to handle life responsibly and Biblically.

Factors that cause/Contribute to perplexing circumstances & feelings of depression

Physical problems can cause perplexing circumstances.

Neglect can cause perplexing circumstances.

Responding sinfully to a hard situation can make perplexing circumstances worse.

Unresolved guilt can cause perplexing circumstances. (see Psalm 32:3-4, 38:3)

A life dominated by bitterness & anger can cause and worsen perplexing circumstances and ultimately lead to despair (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Fear, anxiety & worry worsen a perplexing circumstance & can ultimately lead to despair (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Pride can create unrealistic and unbiblical expectations/goals causing and/or worsening perplexing circumstances.

Hope & standards for success can cause perplexing circumstances and despairing perspectives.

Summary: 2 types of perplexity in a person’s life & 2 kinds of depression people experience in life.

Biblical help for the Depressed & Despairing.

Emotional despair is the fruit not the root of the problem.

Wrong behaviors- ceasing to fulfill God-given responsibilities can produce

Wrong perspectives- these thoughts have motivated wrong behavior and fruit of despair (Philippians 4:6-7).

Idolatrous desires and deceptive beliefs is the root of the fruit of despair.

Biblical illustrations of sustaining faith in perplexity (Hebrews 11:6).

Jeremiah’s desires & beliefs in his perplexity (Lam 3:14-38).

David’s desires & beliefs in his perplexity (Psalm 27:4, 13)

Asaph’s desires & beliefs in his perplexity (Psalm 73)

Paul’s desires & beliefs in his perplexity (2Corinthians 4:16-17).

Biblical Hope for the Depressed (doing & thinking Biblically)

When the despair is related to a lack of Biblical perspective- encourage meditation on the Word. God’s Sovereignty- God declares in His Word that He is responsible for both the challenging circumstances and the pleasant circumstances of our lives. (Job 2:10, Ecc 7:14, Isaiah 45:7, Lam 3:38, 1Sam 2:6-7, James 4:15).

Examples in the Bible:

Jobs Loss- Job 1:12, Job 2:6

Christ’s death- John 19:11, Acts 4:27-28

Invasion of Israel- Proverbs 21:1

Disciples on the sea- Matthew 8:26-27

If we are in Christ, God’s control over all things is used to help us become more reliant upon Him & grow in Christ (Romans 8:28-29, 2Cor 1:8-9).

Every challenging circumstances will accomplish good for the child of God if handled rightly (Heb 12, Gen 50:20, 2Cor 1, 2Cor 4:17, 1Peter 1:7, 1Peter 5:8).

Where the perplexing circumstances are related to personal sin- give biblical hope by calling that person to confess and repent and give practice help in making biblical changes. help him acknowledge sin, and then work to spiral out of the depression by faith.

Where the despair is related to sinfully responding to a perplexing situation- help to acknowledge sin, and work to spiral out of the depression by faith responding to challenging circumstances sinfully will not lead to any intended good, but rather, lead to greater challenges in life (Gal 6:9-10)

Discover with them the possible good God intends to bring out of this tough situation. (Hebrews 11:1)

Replace bad thoughts with scripture, get a mentor/mentors to maintain his walk with God and reverse the downward spiral of depression.

remember, depression can be stubborn, so all excuses for not dwelling on scripture and doing what is right must be eliminated.

Faith is Believing the Word of God and Acting upon it, no matter how I feel, knowing that God promises a good result.

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