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Explore the causes of depression, the role of faith, medication, and CBT. Learn from Jeremiah's case study and how the church can support those struggling. Discover strategies to preach hope in times of despair.
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hope for the downcastsoul Q&A, and a case study (Lamentations 3)
#2. Why should the church try to tackle depression at all? It’s a medical condition, and you are a pastor, not a doctor.
#5. God says we should “Be joyful always” 1Thes 5:16 (Stuart’s sermon 22/7/2012). And you say it’s not sinful to be depressed. How can both be correct? 2 Corinthians 8:2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
#7. I have a depressive temperament. Is there any hope for me? It doesn’t seem fair that I struggle with this when others don’t. • God does not make mistakes • Forced to live more healthily • More sensitive to others • Serious personality • Creativity
#8. How can the church help someone who is downcast? • Practical help • Stick with them • Don’t be quick to come up with “answers” • Be very careful in trying to “cheer them up” Proverbs 25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Case Study: Jeremiah • Feels alone • Physically broken • Emotionally broken • Spiritually broken • Long-term
Case Study: Jeremiah Cause? Personal sin His situation Sin of others
Case Study: Jeremiah Jeremiah’s response: • Strategy: preach to himself Lamentations 3:20-22 …my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed…
Case Study: Jeremiah Jeremiah’s response: • Strategy: preach to himself • Content: • Love and faithfulness of God Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Case Study: Jeremiah Jeremiah’s response: • Strategy: preach to himself • Content: • Love and faithfulness of God • Wait it out Lamentations 3:24-31 I sayto myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." … it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD… bear the yoke … men are not cast off by the Lord forever.”
Case Study: Jeremiah Jeremiah’s response: • Strategy: preach to himself • Content: • Love and faithfulness of God • Wait it out • God has a purpose Lamentations 3:33… he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Case Study: Jeremiah Postscript: Lamentations 3:52 Those who were my enemies without cause hunted me like a bird. They tried to end my life in a pit and threw stones at me; the waters closed over my head, and I thought I was about to be cut off. I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief." You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life.