Oct 23 2023 From Thought to Action: Chapter 13
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Before we begin, remember…making disciples can be as easy as reading a chapter of The Four Priorities and discussing it with someone else. This blog series is designed to supplement your journey. Feel free to take what you need and leave the rest! And remember, please share this post with your disciple so they can subscribe, too!
KEY QUOTES from Chapter 13: Emotional Assets – Depression or Joy
“The Lord was disturbed with the prophets and priests of Israel because they would not seriously address the wounds of His people. Instead, they would superficially cry, ‘Peace, peace… when there is no peace’ (Jer. 6:14). Today’s ‘priests’ – regardless of any modern denominational title – offer little more than a superficial peace for people’s emotional or spiritual pain, which is equally disturbing to the Lord. In order to deal with the wounds of depression seriously, we must have more than a superficial understanding of the problem.”
Symptoms of depression according to 1 Kings 19: fear, isolation, self-pity, faded faith, suicidal, exhaustion, feeling rejected.
REFLECT:
God healed Elijah through 7 steps:
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- God recognized that Elijah’s depression was real,
- God encouraged Elijah to rest,
- God didn’t give Elijah counsel for a while,
- God allowed Elijah to explain the problem,
- God dealt with Elijah’s false beliefs,
- God gave Elijah something to do,
- God gave Elijah a friend.
What step do you most need from God in this season?
PRAY: We have a tendency to overcomplicate things – especially our prayers! One way to simplify your prayer life is to pick two phrases or truths from scripture and attach them to your breath pattern. As you inhale, internally say the 1st phrase. As you exhale, say the 2nd phrase.
INHALE: In sadness or in joy
EXHALE: You are with me all the same
MEMORIZE: Take this week to memorize Psalm 30:11-12 with your household. Write it on a sticky note to place on your car dashboard, your bathroom mirror, or wherever you will view it often.
Psalm 30:11-12 “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!”
WORSHIP: Listen to this song called Graves into Gardens by Elevation Worship.
TABLE TALK:
Download the feelings wheel and discuss what feelings each person has felt during the day. Depression or anxiety can sometimes come when we are not taking the time to honor and listen to our emotional experiences. But remember, emotions are indicators not dictators.
TEACH/PLAY:
Sometimes simple really is better! Download this coloring page about the story of Elijah.
Depression vs. Joy
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- Why is there depression in this world? Because we live in a fallen world as a result of what happened in Genesis 3:
- We’re cut off from God
- We’re cut off from ourselves
- We’re cut off from other people
- Everything in creation is thrown off-kilter
- If you have asked Jesus into your life, remember that He loves and accepts you just as you are. In this life as a follower of Jesus Christ, you can experience significant wholeness, but not complete wholeness – not until you go home to be with the Lord (Phil. 1:6). It’s possible to be a follower of Jesus and experience times of depression, but don’t allow yourself to stay stuck there (Hebrews 4:14-16).
- Remember to laugh. Have fun. Ask the Lord to restore your joy. And if you are experiencing signs of clinical depression, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
- Why is there depression in this world? Because we live in a fallen world as a result of what happened in Genesis 3:
That’s it for Chapter 13!
Now…go! And make disciples!