1. “The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” (Proverbs 18:14) Word “depression” not found in the Bible. However, throughout are numerous examples of individuals dealing with bouts of it Psalms 69, 88 & 102 17.6 Million Americans Suffer From Depressive Illness Annually… Are Chrisitans Immune From Melancholia? “Why are you in despair; O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him. The help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalms 43:5)

2. Some Possible Causes Of Depression No Two People Experience Depression In The Same Way  Genetics & Family History  Personality  Life Events: death of loved one, divorce, employment or money issues, coping challenges, loneliness, etc.  Illness  Chemical Imbalance  Medication Side Effects  Guilt “…each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 5:34b Depression Is Highly Individualized Impacting Physical & Spiritual Well-Being

3. A Man Of Sorrows; Acquainted With Grief Hebrews 2:14-18 Made like His brethren… Hebrews 4:14-15 Tempted in all things… Jesus Shared In The Human Experience Foretold that Jesus go through the depths of human emotion: Isaiah 53:3-11 Jesus In The Garden: Mark 14:32-38 Luke 22:39-46 HE CAN RELATE… Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 11:28ff

4. A HOST OF BIBLE “HEROES” WHO STRUGGLED Job 3:1,3,11; 10:1 Longs for God to kill him… Laments futility of life Depth of depression Numbers 11:10-15 Moses calls for God to take his life Psalms 69 David expresses depth of his depression Psalms 88:1ff Psalms 102 Psalms 32:3-5 “through my groaning all day long…”

5. “I ALONE AM LEFT…” (1Kings 19:3-4, 9-14) Elijah Was Hit With Depression Following Victory Over Prophets Of Baal Jeremiah 20:1-11 Jeremiah: The “Weeping” Prophet Lamentation: wail, howl, expression of great sorrow In Spite Of Depth Of Depression & Emotional Angst Examples Of Individuals Overcoming… Numbers 12:3 (Hebrews 11:23-29); Acts 13:22

6. LEARNING TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION 1Peter 5:6-7 Cast your anxieties on to God Look To Example Of Christ… Matthew 14:23 John 6:15 Luke 22:39 DEAL WITH CAUSES… Stress: Matt. 5:25ff Learned Helplessness: Heb. 5:12-14 Thinking (stinking thinking): Phil. 4:8 Anger (bitterness): Gal. 5:20 Guilt: 1John 1:5-10 Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 41:10 Jeremiah 29:11-12

7. STEPS FOR OVERCOMING DEPRESSION… UNPLUG FROM THE NOISE: (Prov. 13:14) DAILY EXUBERANT MOTION/ACTION (Eph. 4:14-16) MINDFUL STILLNESS (Psa. 63:6) CULTIVATE VIRTUES (2Pet. 1:3-10) PRIDE (Gal. 2:20) DIET (1Pet. 2:2) CELL SUPPORT “S.A.D.” seasonal affected disorder: the need for light therapy (John 1:4-5,9; John 8:12)

8. PEACE OF MIND… “state of tranquility; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions” Philippians 4:4-7 Peace beyond comprehension Colossians 3:5-11 Become a changed person. Eliminate resentment & negativity Colossians 3:12-15 Learn to truly forgive: Others, as well as self 2Corinthians 4:16-18