If you are like me you read things you wished were written actively by a blogger but for one reason or another it is just a printed piece, or an emailed item (which tends to get deleted or everlastingly archived never to be seen again). Well, I love good articles written by pastors or missionaries or by other good men. This is one reason why I am creating a "new" (to me) section, and label, called prose. I trust you will enjoy it, and that it would be an encouragement and a challenge to you, as it has been to me.
Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Depression is often accompanied by:
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This article is taken from "The Mt. Zion Report" which is Mt. Zion Baptist Church's newsletter [Apr. 2012, Vol. 22, Issue 1] and is written by Pastor Randy Starr.
God CAN Help Those Facing Depression
Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
This winter, we examined the matter of depression in light
of the Scriptures for five Wednesday nights. We found that this problem can range
from mild discouragement or serious despondency to severe despair. Sorrow over
a loss is not depression or despair. It is normal. Jesus expressed sorrow in
the Garden (Matt. 36:37-38) and at the death of his friend, Lazarus (John 11:35).
Sorrow is the emotion of loss. However, Jesus was not depressed. Depression is
accompanied by hopelessness, disinterest, and often self-pity. Although when a
person doesn’t seek God OR resolve to hope in God in their sorrow, it can turn to depression. “Emotions are
like dashboard lights to alert us to turn it over to God again.” (Jim Berg). We
must remind ourselves of the following truth:
2 Corinthians 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but
at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal;
but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Depression is often accompanied by:
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Poor appetite or overeating; restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unkempt appearance; Stooped shoulders
- Headaches; backaches
- Moodiness, seldom laughing; frequent cries
- Nothing is funny to the depressed; sad look
Causes of depression may be organic (a reaction to medication, illicit drugs,
poor eating habits, medical problems, or fatigue). Or depression causes may be inorganic (loss of a job,
friend, relative, respect, a goal, control of your life, or fellowship with
God). How can we handle the issues of depression? God has the answers. In this series, we explored eight of these practical steps to overcome
depression. If you would like the five messages on depression, write or email
us for your free CD. Be encouraged today. God does have help for those who are
depressed. www.mtziononline.org.
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