Here are some thoughts that I shared with our churches MOPS (Mother's Of PreSchooler's) group tonight. If you have ever dealt with depression, this is for you.
How can I defeat depression?
Don't ever forget, that you are not alone! You are surrounded by help! Isaiah 41: 10 & 13. “Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand….For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear. I will help you.”
Don't ever forget, that God's grace is enough. You are surrounded by grace! Romans 5:20, “Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.”
In the Bible a clear example of someone that was dealing with depression would be that of 'Elijah.' (read 1 Kings 19) He was a prime candidate for depression because he was physically tired, emotionally exhausted & someone was threatening his life. The Bible tells us that Elijah was a man just like us. (James 5:17) Meaning, we can experience the same miracles that he did and also the same discouragement. I want to encourage you to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) so that you can rid yourself of negative thinking and mindsets. A few tips for dealing with depression:
Tip #1- Focus on the facts, not on your feelings.
Tip #2- Don't compare yourself with others.
Tip #3- Don't take false blame.
Tip #4- Don't exaggerate the negative.
Elijah was guilty of each of these things in the context of 1 Kings 19. If we are honest, we have a tendency to do these very things. If you are finding yourself doing these things today, make a decision to stop. Of course the question leads to, "stop and do what?" Here are 5 things that you can do right now if you find yourself struggling with depression.
1. Take care of your physical needs.
2. Give your frustrations to God.
3. Get a fresh awareness of God.
4. Gain a new direction for your life.
5. Stay around encouraging voices.
Which of Elijah's mistakes are you most prone to experience in your life? What is a specific way that you can begin working on the first remedy for depression--which is your physical well-being?
How can I defeat depression?
Don't ever forget, that you are not alone! You are surrounded by help! Isaiah 41: 10 & 13. “Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand….For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear. I will help you.”
Don't ever forget, that God's grace is enough. You are surrounded by grace! Romans 5:20, “Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.”
In the Bible a clear example of someone that was dealing with depression would be that of 'Elijah.' (read 1 Kings 19) He was a prime candidate for depression because he was physically tired, emotionally exhausted & someone was threatening his life. The Bible tells us that Elijah was a man just like us. (James 5:17) Meaning, we can experience the same miracles that he did and also the same discouragement. I want to encourage you to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) so that you can rid yourself of negative thinking and mindsets. A few tips for dealing with depression:
Tip #1- Focus on the facts, not on your feelings.
Tip #2- Don't compare yourself with others.
Tip #3- Don't take false blame.
Tip #4- Don't exaggerate the negative.
Elijah was guilty of each of these things in the context of 1 Kings 19. If we are honest, we have a tendency to do these very things. If you are finding yourself doing these things today, make a decision to stop. Of course the question leads to, "stop and do what?" Here are 5 things that you can do right now if you find yourself struggling with depression.
1. Take care of your physical needs.
2. Give your frustrations to God.
3. Get a fresh awareness of God.
4. Gain a new direction for your life.
5. Stay around encouraging voices.
Which of Elijah's mistakes are you most prone to experience in your life? What is a specific way that you can begin working on the first remedy for depression--which is your physical well-being?