The Trap of Depression: We Need Each Other - Living Free - September 22

The Trap of Depression: We Need Each Other 

Friday, September 22, 2023

Living Free Every Day®
 A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

Thoughts for Today
 Getting out of the black hole where life revolves around untruths and putting on a new life of light is a battle. And God tells us not to face the battle alone. Along with trusting him and asking the Holy Spirit to empower us, we are to motivate each other and spend time together. We need to choose and resolve that we will help and encourage one another to go on in the Christian life until we live in the light daily. And then we need to continue encouraging each other and praying for each other.

People struggling with depression—or any life-controlling problem—tend to isolate themselves. Coming out of that isolation and allowing others to help and encourage is a vital step in recovery.

Consider this …
Not only should we allow others to help and encourage us—we should encourage them as well. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 NIV

One of God's most precious gifts to us is the opportunity to lean on … and reach out to … our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us be faithful to meet together … to pray for each other … to encourage each other … to admonish each other in love … to help each other.

Prayer
Father, forgive me for sometimes being "me"-focused. For hiding out from others in the family of God when I am struggling. For not reaching out to them when I see them in need. Help us to motivate each other to love and good works. 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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