Two Truths To Remember When You’re Battling Depression - MSQ
Part of It Doesn't Make Sense
January 21, 2024

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Two Truths To Remember When You’re Battling Depression

Message Study Questions

Message Summary

Depression is a complex issue with four root causes. The first is biological, chemical imbalances, illness, pain, etc. The second is relational. Betrayal by a friend, rejection, divorce and isolation will weigh you down. Circumstances such as trauma, death, loss are also challenging. The fourth root cause of depression is often overlooked, and that is the spiritual realm. Satan is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Discernment and vigilance are needed to face this battle.

God gave us emotions. They are valid but not permanent. Naming emotions opens the door to change. Because emotions are temporary, avoid basing decisions on temporary feelings. We’re going to feel them, but not be ruled by them. Acknowledge your feelings and seek help in community and professionally if it persists. Isolation is your enemy. And for believers, when our situation feels hopeless, there is always hope with God. Prayerfully seek Him, and hold on with all you have. He will not let you go.

  1. Can you share a time when God brought hope to you in the midst of difficulty? What did you learn about God through that experience?

  2. How is depression different from feeling sad?

Consider This

The four root causes of depression are biological, relational, circumstantial, and spiritual.

  1. Is there one cause that resonates with you the most in this season? How could you start addressing that issue with God’s truth?

  2. How do you usually handle negative or depressing thoughts and emotions?

  3. In the middle of catastrophic loss (destruction of Jerusalem), Jeremiah named his feelings.

    • Read Lamentations 3:5-9, 14-15, 18-19 and list some of the feelings Jeremiah experienced.

    • Which of these feelings can you relate to?

  4. Jeremiah said he would never forget that awful time, as he grieved over his loss (v 20). And yet what did he dare to do in verses 21-24?

    • What are some things that help you remember God’s love and goodness in the midst of difficult seasons?

  5. Read Lamentations 3:24-26 “I say to myself…” Preach to yourself!

    • What did Jeremiah say to himself?

    • Why is it important to speak truth to yourself? Where do you find that truth with hope in it?

    • How, practically speaking, do you renew your mind regularly on God’s positive truths?

  6. Rain falls on the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). Trials are often for teaching, and building character and faith. However, sometimes they result from the poor choices we’ve made. What truths should we remember in that case?

    • Lamentations 3:31-33
    • 1 John 1:9
    • 1 Corinthians 10:13
    • Romans 8:31-39

Moving Forward — Application

Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. It may not be caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one’s own will. Seeing a doctor for depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury.
On the other hand, make a conscious effort to not be absorbed in self, but to turn your efforts outward. Feelings of depression can often be solved when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.
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1. Start Praying!

  1. Commit to an action step in dealing with depression and do it this week.

  2. Consider how you could love others by serving on the weekend.

  3. Who could you reach out to with a word of encouragement this week?

  4. Find more mental health resources at www.life.church/mentalhealth

  5. Start the Wisdom for Mental Health Bible Plan using Plans With Friends: www.go2.lc/mentalhealthplan

Adapted from Life Church