Symptoms of Depression: Transformation - Living Free - November 20

Symptoms of Depression: Transformation

Friday, November 20, 2020

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Thoughts for Today
We've looked at several common symptoms of depression this week. The final two we will mention are various physical disorders and energy loss.

• Depressed people often suffer from various physical disorders. These disorders are real and often quite painful. They usually consist of headaches, backaches, and gastrointestinal disorders.

• People suffering with depression experience severe energy loss. In the valleys of depression, even routine tasks may become more than available energy can accomplish. Loved ones, co-workers, and others may take it as laziness and become hurtfully critical. Even the depressed person cannot understand it, and the feelings of worthlessness are reinforced.

Consider this …
Therapy and a medication regimen prescribed by a doctor are vital treatments for a person with depression. But those things can be so much more effective when we couple them with our faith in Christ and trusting in God's Word. Today's scripture talks about God transforming us. No matter what our situation, when we put our faith in him above the behavior and customs of this world, we open the door to transformation.

 As we soak in the scriptures and spend time with God in prayer, he will change the way we think. And then our eyes will open to his will for us, and we can know that his plan is always good and pleasing and perfect.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the ways I've been conforming to the world's standards and behaviors instead of to your Word. In many ways, I've been afraid to trust my life to you . . . but I'm ready. Change my thinking and help me grow in faith as I spend time with you and meditate on your Word. 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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