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Friday, November 16, 2007 at Friday, November 16, 2007

Depression
I Feel depressed and it seems like God doesn't care. Does he care about how low I feel?
Psalm 139:12 Even in the darkness I cannot hide from you.

There is no depth to which you can decend where God is not present with you. When depression comes, you must remember that even though you cannot see or feel his presence, he has not abandoned you.

Psalm 130:1 From the depths of despair, O LORD, I call for you help.
You can cry out to God in prayer even during the darkest night of despair. He will hear you.

Isaiah 53:3 He was depised and rejected-a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief.
Remember that Christ understands the pain of human life.

Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Jesus cares deeply for the weary and provides acceptance, love, and rest.

Romans 8:39 Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Not even life's worst depression can separate you from the love of Christ.

How should I handle depression?
Psalm 147:7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don't turn away from me, or I will die.
The Lord's strong presence in your life is the best cure for depression. But with the Lord's help, you may also seek the best medical help and ask God to use it to heal you.

How does God bring healing to those who are depressed?
Psalm 10:17 LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them.

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
The power of the Lord's presence, coupled with the sensitivity of his listening ear, can bring healing and comfort.

Can any good come out of depression?
Psalm 126:5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.

2 Corinthians 12:9 My power works best in your weakness.
When you are weak, you may be more receptive to the Lord's strength. When God works through your weakness, you know it is his work and not yours.

How can I help someone who is depressed?
2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Romans 12:15 When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.

Proverbs 25:20 Singing cheerful songs to a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing someone's jacket in cold weather or rubbing salt in a wound.
Two things help most: modeling the gentle, carin love of Christ and directing the depressed person to the proper care. Those dealing with depression need comfort and understandnig, not advice and lectures. You can help someone who is depressed by your quiet presence, your love, and your encouragement. Telling them to "snap our of it" only makes things worse.

Are feelings of depression sin?
Isaiah24:16 Listen to them as they sing to the LORD from the end of the earth. Hear them singing praises to the Righteous One! But my heart is heavy with grief. I am discouraged, for evil still prevails, and treachery is everywhere.
The glames of moral outrage at the presence of terrible sin can leave the ashes of depression. This is not a sin.

John 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, he was moved with indignation and was deeply troubled.

John 12:27 Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, "Father, save me from what lies ahead"? But that is the very reason why I came!
In the very process of redemption Jesus felt deeply troubled, or quite "love." It is natural to feel low in the backwash of torubled times. Since Jesus cannot sin, to feel low or depressed cannot be a sin. It can be a result of sin or become a sin if you blame God, use it againts God, or leave God out of the antidote.

Does feeling depressed mean something is wrnog with my faith?
Judges 15:18 Now Samson was very thristy, and he cried out to the LORD, "You have accomplished this great victory.... Must I now die of thrist?"
Even for the peopole of God, depression can often follow great achievement or spiritual victory.

Psalm 35:9 I will be glad because he rescues me.

Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair.

Matthew 14:30-31 When he looked around at the high wavesm he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him.
God is able to lift you out of the pit of depression and fear.

PROMISE FROM GOD
Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

You're my angel of music. ♥