DEALING WITH DEPRESSION: HATING LIFE AND SELF
Ecclesiastes 2:13-17; John 10:10
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. We have talked about Spiritual Depression, or the Dry Times, and the depressing problem of loneliness. Today, I want us to think about depression brought on by the boredom and frustration of life.
I. LIFE CAUSES MANY FRUSTRATIONS (Ecclesiastes 2:13-17).
1. Both the wise man and the fool face the same fate (death)—v. 14.
2. Both the wise man and the fool will soon be forgotten—v. 16.
3. Both the wise man and the fool hate life because work is boring, meaningless, and a chasing after the wind—v. 17.
II. OTHERS CAN ADD TO THOSE FRUSTRATIONS (John 10:10a).
1. The thief comes to steal.
2. The thief comes to kill.
3. The thief comes to destroy.
III. JESUS CAN SUBTRACT FROM OUR FRUSTRATIONS (John 10:10b).
1. Jesus has come.
2. Jesus has come to give life.
3. Jesus has come to give life in its fullness.
IV. WE CAN MULTIPLY OUR FRUSTRATIONS.
1. We can focus on the dark side as did the writer of Ecclesiastes.
2. We can fail to see the light of Christ at work in the world.
3. OR, we can let the light of Christ shine in our darkness and give us life!
CONCLUSION
Life can oftentimes be boring and frustrating. Even work, which is capable of leading one out of depression under most circumstances, may lead one deeper into despair. Such feelings can lead to depression, to a sense that life is meaningless, and rob you of the joy of living. Other people may actually add to the frustrations of life. 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 have a full life, one that overflows with His goodness and kindness. 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. If you are suffering from depression because of the boredom and frustration of life, 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 another day!
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