Today's Scripture
"The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?" - Psalm 27:1 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Depression almost always results in fear that our personal failures and inadequacies will be exposed and shame and humiliation will follow. This fear can cause us to isolate ourselves from others to avoid getting hurt.
As a step toward recovery from depression, we need to replace our self-imposed isolation with a willingness to share with others. This takes courage. It requires being honest with ourselves and other people. We might think, "I'm afraid they will reject me when they hear the truth." or "I've been protecting myself for so long by hiding the real me from others … I don't know if I can change."
It's not easy to tell someone we are hurting or afraid or angry. The good news is that we don't have to do this on our own. God loves us and wants to help us. If we turn to him, he will give us the courage we need. And he loves us unconditionally. Nothing will ever change that.
Consider this …
If fear has caused you to build a wall between yourself and others, be encouraged to take that first step out of isolation. Call someone you have been avoiding. Share something you are feeling with a person close to you. You don't have to do it all at once. Ask God to help you, and then take that first step. With him, you can do it.
Prayer
Lord, I've been so afraid to talk to anyone about my problems. Help me trust you enough to step beyond my fear and share my need with someone. In Jesus' name...
These thoughts were drawn from …Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
- Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
- Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
- Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
- Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
- How to pray for healing and what to expect
- Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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