“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” —Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV)
Four Root Causes of Depression
- Biological
- Relational
- Circumstantial
- Spiritual
“1 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. 2 He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light… 5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. 6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. 7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. 8 Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer… 17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. 18 So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.” 19 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.” —Lamentations 3:1-2, 5-8, 17-20 (NIV)
Two Truths to Remember When You’re Battling Depression
1. Your
2. Your situation feels hopeless. But with
Naming your
We’re not going to make permanent decisions based on
“21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)
“The Lord’s great love”:
Unbreakable devotion to God’s promises.
Covenantal commitment to God’s character.
“His compassions”:
“24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” —Lamentations 3:24-26 (NIV)
TALK IT OVER
Read Lamentations 3:21-23. What are some things that help you remember God’s love and goodness in the midst of difficult seasons?
How do you typically handle negative or depressing thoughts and feelings? What would it look like to validate your emotions and label your feelings while also remembering they aren’t permanent?
Talk about a time when God brought you hope and help in a difficult moment. What did you learn about Him through that experience?
Listen to Freedom to Feel on the You’ve Heard It Said podcast: Freedom to Feel Episode