God Knows You and Loves You
Today's Scripture
"God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" - Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Millions of people suffer from clinical depression. Most people suffering from chronic depression feel so utterly unlovable that they cannot bear the pain of even trying to experience love in a relationship with either God or man. They feel like a failure and that anyone who disagrees with that assessment just doesn't know them very well. Even if you are not suffering from chronic depression, you may experience feelings like this from time to time—most people do.
If you are feeling this way, think about this good news: God knows you better than you know yourself, and he loves you. He knows you are not perfect, but he loves you unconditionally. He loves you so much that Jesus died on the cross for your sins because he wanted to provide a way that you could be with him for eternity.
God loves you so much that he has promised never to leave you. The Bible tells us that he is full of compassion for you (Psalm 145:8). He takes pleasure in you (Psalm 149:4). He loves you and gives you honor (Isaiah 43:4). You are precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:7). He promises that he will love you forever (Jeremiah 31:3).
Consider this …
The Bible says Jesus loves you so much that he seeks after you. You are never alone. Right this very moment you may feel alone, but you are not. Jesus is there with you. Seeking to help you. Say yes. Yes to his love. Yes to his help. Yes to Jesus.
Lord, thank you for loving me no matter what. Thank you for promising to be with me … always. When I start to feel alone, please remind me that you are there. 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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