Video link: BREAKING FREE FROM DEPRESSION - SESSION 5
‘BREAKING FREE FROM DEPRESSION’
SESSION 5: FROM THE VALLEY TO HOPE
Today is the day of hope.
Notice how God responded to Elijah. He did not rebuke him for lack of faith. Instead, He:
1. Allowed him to rest (1 Kings 19:5)
2. Provided food and water (1 Kings 19:6)
3. Gently asked, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9)
4. Revealed Himself in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12)
5. Gave him a new assignment and a companion (1 Kings 19:15-21)
God invites us to bring our true selves before Him.
Now we ask: WHAT DO I DO FROM HERE?
1. START WITH ONE STEP
You need to choose something you are capable of doing today.
You may not be able to solve everything today. But you can take one step.
Make one phone call. Talk to one trusted person. Take a walk.
Pray. Ask others to pray specifically for you regarding the depression and its effects.
Read Scripture passages that describe the feelings and thoughts of people experiencing depression.
Seek counseling.
Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit regarding the cause of the depression and how to deal with it. Remember that the Holy Spirit is the Great Physician.
Utilize Church Resources. Make good use of the healing ministries available in your church.
Go for medical evaluation. Tell someone how you feel.
2. ALLOW YOURSELF TO EXPRESS GRIEF
Jesus wept. Therefore, tears are not necessarily evidence of unbelief.
You are allowed to express sorrow, grief, and the pain of loss rather than suppressing it.
You do not have to pretend that nothing happened. You can grieve and still have hope.
3. CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF YOUR THOUGHTS
Philippians 4:8 gives us a pattern for disciplined thinking.
Ask yourself:
“Is this thought true?”
“Is this thought helping me?”
“Is this thought consistent with God's Word?”
“What hopeful truth can I focus on instead?”
4. RETURN TO HEALTHY ACTIVITIES
Engage yourself in activities that previously brought joy, time in nature and sunlight, exercise as appropriate, music, reading, writing, and healthy social interaction.
Sometimes recovery begins with very small actions.
5. LET GOD USE YOUR EXPERIENCE
One of the most powerful thoughts is that suffering can eventually equip us to comfort others.
Paul writes about God: “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
Your experience may one day help you understand someone else's tears.
Your testimony may encourage someone who is still in the valley.
Your wound, once healed and properly understood, may become part of your ministry to others.
FINAL MESSAGE: YOU ARE VALUABLE AND LOVED
You are of great value, and you are loved by God.
Your present condition does not determine your ultimate value.
Your failure does not determine your value.
Your rejection does not determine your value.
Your past does not determine your value.
Your emotional struggle does not determine your value.
God's love speaks louder than your darkest moment.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
