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Relief From Depression
Read Psalm 39:2–7. What happened when David remained silent? And what was the result of his speaking up?
Like most emotional disorders, depression necessitates that the sufferer speak about his or her struggles. This act alone can begin to initiate healing. Approaching the Lord in fervent and sincere prayer is a safe way to release tension and psychological pain. Often more is needed, but it can be a good start.
A basic coping strategy for depression consists of talking to a friend (or a therapist) who knows how to listen and, even better, who knows how to help access more intensive resources, if needed. There is a healing effect in verbalizing thoughts and feelings. The church community can provide an excellent context to help the discouraged, but often this is insufficient, especially when professional care is required. Nevertheless, it is important for anyone going through hard times and who feels discouraged or even depressed to have someone they trust to talk to. Sometimes merely just talking to someone can go a long way in helping a person feel better.
Read Psalm 55:17. What promise is there? Why should this promise mean so much to us?
The counselor’s appointment, if possible at all, may not be available until next week, but like David—who learned how to get help any hour of the day or any day of the week—we, too, can turn to the Lord at any time. David knew that the Lord heard his voice, and that greatly encouraged him.
Even secular psychologists are recommending that clients who believe in prayer, pray. All of us, even when not suffering with something such as clinical depression, can experience the impact of how praying to the Lord does help make us feel better. No matter who we are or the depths of our discouragement, having a relationship with God can go a long way in bringing us hope and encouragement and healing.
Ellen G. White once described prayer as “the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 533. Though prayer doesn’t always solve all our problems, how does it help us deal with them?
| TUESDAY | February 8 |
Read Psalm 39:2–7. What happened when David remained silent? And what was the result of his speaking up?
Like most emotional disorders, depression necessitates that the sufferer speak about his or her struggles. This act alone can begin to initiate healing. Approaching the Lord in fervent and sincere prayer is a safe way to release tension and psychological pain. Often more is needed, but it can be a good start.
A basic coping strategy for depression consists of talking to a friend (or a therapist) who knows how to listen and, even better, who knows how to help access more intensive resources, if needed. There is a healing effect in verbalizing thoughts and feelings. The church community can provide an excellent context to help the discouraged, but often this is insufficient, especially when professional care is required. Nevertheless, it is important for anyone going through hard times and who feels discouraged or even depressed to have someone they trust to talk to. Sometimes merely just talking to someone can go a long way in helping a person feel better.
Read Psalm 55:17. What promise is there? Why should this promise mean so much to us?
The counselor’s appointment, if possible at all, may not be available until next week, but like David—who learned how to get help any hour of the day or any day of the week—we, too, can turn to the Lord at any time. David knew that the Lord heard his voice, and that greatly encouraged him.
Even secular psychologists are recommending that clients who believe in prayer, pray. All of us, even when not suffering with something such as clinical depression, can experience the impact of how praying to the Lord does help make us feel better. No matter who we are or the depths of our discouragement, having a relationship with God can go a long way in bringing us hope and encouragement and healing.
Ellen G. White once described prayer as “the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 533. Though prayer doesn’t always solve all our problems, how does it help us deal with them?
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