Worship 301: Handling Crises & Depression

MONDAY

David was a man who endured many crises. Wandering in the depths of despair caused him to always remember the greatness of God. He used his state of depression to affirm the greatness of God in his life. Read Psalm 139. From verse 3, who is it that can truly understand and empathize with your struggles? From verses 6-10, does David feel like removing himself from his immediate surroundings? What does he conclude about that? Verses 19-22 show what the source of David’s depression was. Did he justify his feeling of hatred or did He seek the guidance of the Lord? Throughout this crisis, who always remained at the center of David’s thoughts? Did David seek out to accomplish his own will? Who is in control of every step you take? Write Proverbs 3:5-6 on an index card and memorize it. Walk by faith and not by sight! Don’t depend on your limited foresight! Call a brother/sister who seems to be immersed in depression. Pray with them over the phone or in person. Make the Lord the center of your focus in your encouragement.

TUESDAY

“God designed His creation to have a dependency upon Him. Even the ordinary decisions of a day need the counsel of God, who instructs His creation to consult Him about even the most minute details, whether in the spiritual or secular realm.” Jeremiah was a prophet who experienced many discouraging situations. He preached the word for many years, yet no one wanted to listen. Everyone rejected him and the word of God. Read Lamentations 3:21-26. What was it that gave Jeremiah hope? What is it that is renewed every morning? What was Jeremiah’s conclusion about the compassion of the Lord (verse 24)? Did Jeremiah get upset, or anxious, or annoyed with his situation? Did he stop preaching and serving God? NO! He quietly submitted to what the Lord was giving him at the moment. He waited quietly for the salvation of the Lord. This is the kind of attitude that promotes peace. Write Jeremiah 29:11 on an index card and memorize it. How reassuring and caring is our Lord!

WEDNESDAY

Jesus teaches us how to deal with crises and stress: SEEK HIS KINGDOM---SEEK HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS! Read Matthew 6:33-34. What does the Lord promise? Do you believe His promise? What do you usually seek first when crisis or discouragement hit you? Do you seek to please yourself, or do you seek the kingdom and righteousness of God? KINGDOM=church, brethren, fellowship, edification, discipleship (physical & emotional support). RIGHTEOUSNESS =Bible, instruction, edification, correction, training, discipleship (spiritual & emotional support). Honestly now, are these the things you seek in anxiety?? With a promise like the Lord gives you, is there anything to worry about? The apostle Paul also encouraged the Phillipians to continuously mediate on the things dealing with the Kingdom and righteousness. Read Philippians 4:8-9. These things that you meditate on must be the things that are practiced and the result will be peace. Write Isaiah 40:31 on an index card and memorize it. Hoping in the Lord and not in what we desire to happen is what gives us strength to carry on.

THURSDAY

Do you sometimes feel like no one is on your side? Like there’s a conspiracy against you? The devil is relentless in his attacks towards you but you need to remember who’s side you want to be on. Even though the Apostle Paul often felt desponded (2 Co. 4:8-9) he knew that nothing could separate him from God’s love. Read Romans 8:35-39. Is there something, according to this passage, that can separate you from God’s love? Even if you are against God He is on your side. He is fighting for you, not against you. Do you believe this? Can you believe then, that everything that happens to you, whether you perceive it to be good or bad, is ultimately for your own good¾if you love the Lord? Write Romans 8:28 on an index card and memorize it.

FRIDAY

Stress, anxiety and depression come from a lack of perspective of Who’s in control, Who’s providing and Who’s protecting. Psalm 23 sums up these qualities of our Lord beautifully. David paints for you a picture of unwavering trust. What is the Lord to David? What is the job of a shepherd? What did David see himself as? It is this perspective that is lacking when anxiety or depression rule our lives. The fact that God is providing for us and protecting us. Constantly accompanying us wherever we go. Did David have anything to fear? Do you have fear of something in this life (other than the fear of the Lord)? Verses 5-6 shows how David saw himself as a recipient of God’s lovingkindness (mercy). He saw himself as belonging in the house of God, not just as a guest-for-a-day. The Lord was his Father and David was just so thankful and blessed to be in His presence and at the center of His attention. Is this how you see yourself? Write Hebrews 12:28-29 on an index card and memorize it. Be thankful!

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