DEPRESSION - THE WHY AND THE HOW OF DEALING WITH IT
NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO DEPRESSION
When the "darkness" of night
descends upon the soul -
is there a way out?
Yes. I say. Yes.
The Bible also says "Yes."
Please note the Credit for this
outline is taken from
John Yates
Faith Bible Institute
Volume IV
In Book One
pages 441 - 443
3) e. Elijah's Great Battle with Depression.
A. THE WHY OF DEPRESSION
EXTREME EMOTIONAL STRESS
difficult circumstances
battling fears
struggling
overwhelmed
2. EXTREME EMOTIONAL STRESS
battling evil with truth
being in solitude
living in a harsh environment
3. EMOTIONAL FATIGUE
which follows joy
which follows a victory
which follows a sorrow or loss
some one I love who dies
some thing I cherish is taken away
4. DISAPPOINTMENT
after victory, threats made
after victory, further conflicts
after spiritual "high" the let down
expectations not realized
Ps. 23. 4 Though I walk
through the valley of the shadow
of death: I will fear no evil.
5. ISOLATIONISM
Feeling alone in ministry
Psalm 23. 4b. For thou art with me:
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
6. PHYSICAL FATIGUE
Great physical output
Physical strength put out against great odds
Doing much and not taking breaks
Extending out without taking time to eat or rest
7. PHYSICAL WEAKNESS
Caused by lack of food
Psalm 23.5 Thou preparest
a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
my cup runneth over.
Proverbs 30.8 Feed me with food convenient for me.
Caused by lack of rest
Psalm 23.2 He maketh me to lie down in
green pastures.
I Kings 19.5 - 7
And as he lay and slept under a juniper
tree, behold, then an angel touched him,
and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there
was a cake baken on the coals,
and a cruse of water at his head. And he
did eat and drink, and laid
him down again.
8. SATANIC OPPOSITION
The way Satan works is to attack
just after A SPIRITUAL VICTORY.
I Peter 5. 6 - 9
v.6. Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time.
v.7. Casting all your care upon him,
for he careth for you. v.8 Be sober, be
vigilant, because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking
whom he may devour. v.9 Whom
resist stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished
in your brethren
that are in the world.
B. THE HOW OF DEALING WITH DEPRESSION
1. RECOGNIZE GOD AS PART OF MY SOLUTION
Run to - Draw Near to God by seeking Him.
Put my self in His hands.
2. SLEEP AND EAT - PROVIDE REST AND NUTRITION
SLEEP to rest. REST - and S L E E P some more.
EAT nutritious fruits and vegetables.then REST ....
GRADUALLY GAIN STRENGTH TO EAT.
3. SEEK SPIRITUAL (AND SCRIPTURAL) COUNSEL2 Timothy 3. 16 - 17All scripture is given by inspiration of God; andis profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:that the man of God may be perfect,throughly furnishedunto all good works.
4. SPEND TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. Praying honestly. Looking into and Listening to God's Word.
Let God speak to you through His Word.
Romans 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Psalm 119. 25My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quickenthou me according to thy word. 
5. GET BUSY AND STAY ACTIVE EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT. START SOMEWHERE.
Look around you - Is there some thing small ? you can do for your self? Look around you - Is there some thing you can do that needs to be done? Look around you - Is there some one who needs you ? Look around you - Is there some thing you set aside that can now be done?
6. FIND GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE AND FULFILL IT. Matthew 6.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,and all these things shall be added unto you.
7. RECOGNIZE YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
God has given us His Holy Spirit to dwell in the Church.
The Local Church is the way for us to grow -
We are not alone - and we need each other.
I John 5.1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus
is the Christ is born of God and every one that loveth him
begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
8. BE STEADFAST AND FAITHFUL
II Corinthians 15.58
Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,
always abounding in the work of the
Lord, forasmuch as ye know
that your labour is not in
vain in the Lord.
Looking at the sea from a cliff is
this painting done.
When we are in depression it seems
"like" we cannot escape.
I Corinthians 10.13
There hath no temptation taken you
but such as is common to man: but
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to
be tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation make a way to escape
that ye may be able to bear it.
