Fundamentals for Depression and Despair

Message Listening Guide

Guiding Question: Have you ever been overwhelmed by life to the point of despair or depression?

Emotions vs. Thoughts
Elijah allowed his emotions (fear) to control his thoughts, and he fled (1 Kings19:1-2).
Emotions over thoughts leads to destructive decisions.
Practice thoughts over emotions, and remember the Lord’s faithfulness clearly.

Despair and Isolation
Elijah left everyone behind to be alone and sit in despair (1 Kings 19: 3-4a).
When we feel depressed, we have a bad habit of isolating ourselves. 
Rely on your social support in times of trouble.

Depression and Expectation
Elijah was depressed because of unmet expectations (1Kings 19:4-5).
If you are currently battling depression, what are your expectations?
Remember God’s ways are higher than our ways, and they were for Elijah too (Isaiah 55:9).

Back to the Basics
When we are in despair, we neglect the basics. Start with the fundamentals: good sleep, food, exercise, and medication (1 Kings 19: 5b-6).
Caution: Refrain from using sleep as an escape, eating our feelings or looking for external sources for internal issues.

Closing Reflection: Yes, Christians can battle depression: Elijah, Job, Moses, David. Even Jesus went through a dark night of the soul in the garden before going to the cross. Each of these examples God strengthened and brought them through sorrow to use them to do mighty things, He can do the same for you!