In the Wilderness of Depression

What is Depression?

There are different kinds of depression.

1. Caused by a chemical imbalance.
2. Or described as worry, anxiety, sadness, feeling discourages.

"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." - Proverbs 12:25

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30

Elijah in the Wilderness of Depression
1 Kings 19

The Circumstances

• Threatened. vs. 1-4
• Hiding. vs. 9-13
• Depressed. v. 14
• He thought he alone was faithful to God.

The Lord's Reply

"Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him..." -1 Kings 19:18

• The same thing happens to many Christians today.
• Depression/ discouragement has led many to become unfaithful themselves.

How Elijah Got Over It

• Food. vs. 5-7
• Rest. v. 6
• Quietness. v. 8
• Work. vs. 15-16
• Fellowship. (Sent him Elisha) vs. 19-21

When you feel alone, remember"

"for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." - Hebrews 13:5-6

When life gets you down as a Christian.

• Rest
• Eat
• Work
• Fellowship

Moses in the Wilderness
Exodus 3 & 4

The Circumstances

• Fled from Egypt. Hebrews 11:23-27
• Dwelling in Sinai Desert.
• Disillusioned? Acts 7:25
• Felt Defeated?
• Felt Rejected?
• Felt Inadequate?

If I feel inadequate

• I need stronger faith!
• God can do a lot a little!
• For when I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Moses' Excuses

• Who am I? 3:1
• Who are you? 3:13
• They won't accept me. 4:1
• I'm not eloquent. 4:10

God's Answers

• Have faith. 3:12
• I am God. 3:14
• What is in your hand? 4:2
• Aaron will speak. 4:11-17

The Cure for those in the Wilderness of Depression

• Trust God
• Work
• Proper Diet & Rest
• Fellowship

Israel in the Wilderness
Numbers 13&14

• Lost Faith. 13:31-33
• Wandering. 14:28-29
• Ultimately died in the wilderness.

Conclusion:

• You don't have to die in the wilderness!
• God LOVES you! You are of great Value to God! His Power is great!
• God's statement of love. Luke 4:18-19
• Our statement of love. John 14:15
  

  ---

Introduction adapted  from Mid-Mo Bible camp lesson by Jonny Scaggs on Dealing With Depression
Photo by Francisco Moreno on Unsplash