Today's Scripture
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." - Romans 10:17 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Millions of people suffer from clinical depression. Is depression affecting your life or the life of someone you love? This week we will be looking at scriptures that can give us new insights on overcoming depression.
Picture depression as a downward spiral with the potential to pull us deeper and deeper into despair. Then picture a ladder that will help us climb out of this deep hole. The first rung on that ladder is faith. Faith in God's love for you. Faith that Jesus is with you and will help you climb the ladder. Faith that God created you as a unique and special individual and that he has a purpose for your life. Faith that he will help you fulfill that purpose.
But how can you develop this kind of faith? By reading God's words in the Bible. By believing those words and acting on them. As you do this, you will begin to discover how much God loves you. His love for you is unconditional. Jesus died for you … and for me … and by turning to him, we can be forgiven for all our past misdeeds and get a fresh start.
Consider this …
If you haven't already done so, determine now to take this first step out of depression. The eighth chapter of Romans is a good place to start. Take time to read the entire chapter and meditate on it. God loves you. He is able to help you … and he wants to help you. He only asks you to trust him.
Prayer
Father, I need your help. I am willing to take the first step to begin climbing out of this deep hole where I find myself. I commit right now to reading and believing your Word. I ask for your guidance and help. And please help me learn more about how you see me and about your love for me. 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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