DEALING WITH DEPRESSION: THE LONELY TIMES
Psalm 142:1-7
Dr. Glenn A. Jent, Pastor
INTRODUCTION
Depression is one of the most common problems facing modern day people. It is a problem that must be dealt with by church leaders. Depression is robbing the church of many gifted people because they are unable or unwilling to serve the Lord in their depressed, defeated condition. Last Sunday, we talked about Spiritual Depression, or the Dry Times. Now, what can we learn from the Psalmist today that will enable us to understand the depressing problem of lonely times?
I. THERE ARE MANY TEARS.
1. There is a loud cry (for attention)—v. 1.
2. There is a lonely cry (for compassion)—v. 5.
2. There is a cry for help (“Listen to me!”)—v. 6.
II. THERE ARE MANY TROUBLES (AND COMPLAINTS).
1. There is a sense of weakness and being endangered by many traps—v. 3.
2. There is no refuge—v. 4.
3. There is a sense of desperation—v. 6.
III. THERE IS NO TRUST.
1. There is no concern expressed by others—v.4.
2. There is no one who cares about me—v. 4.
3. There is no one that I can trust.
IV. THERE ARE THREE TIPS (OR REQUESTS).
1. Rescue me (“Set me free from prison.”)—vv. 6-7.
2. Restore me (“Let me praise God.”)—v. 7.
3. Reassure me (“Let the righteous gather around me.”)—v. 7.
CONCLUSION
Depression can cause you to feel isolated and alone, that no one is concerned about you or even cares about what is happening to you. Depression can rob you of the joy of living and certainly will keep you from flourishing. The end result can be catastrophic, as one may even reach the point of considering suicide as a good choice, even the best or only choice one has. However, God sees and knows. He hears the pleas of the depressed person and will work to bring about a change in the life of His children. Remember, God wants you to experience love, joy, and peace in your life. He wants you to flourish, not just exist in an unhappy condition. God loves you! God will work to rescue you! God will lift you up and help you to be able to praise Him once more. He will cause the righteous people to come to your rescue, to encourage you, to comfort you. However, God cannot do this for you until you reach the place where you admit your need for His help. If you are suffering from depression because of loneliness, cry out to God today! Receive all that He intends for you to have! If you need to talk about your problems, seek out the pastor or a Christian counselor as soon as possible. Do NOT wait until you cannot be helped!
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