Jim Described two personalities based on Winnie the Pooh. Do you see yourself more as the Tigger personality or Eeyore?
think depression is more prevalent today than ever before?
How many of you have been deeply depressed at some point in your life? (expect most hands to go up and talk about how depression has affected us in different ways)
The sermon was based on a time period in the life of the prophet Elijah. It began with the event that seemed to send Elijah into a tailspin into depression.
READ 1 Kings 19:1-4
Why do you think Jezebel’s was so devastating after the huge victory of the day before?
What are some circumstances that lead to depression in people?
Why is it easier to go into depression when you’re emotionally exhausted? Anyone want to share a story either personal or someone you know that reflects this situation?
The sermon gave seven tips to defeat depression. Share an observation you have seen for each of these tips (I’ve included a question to get discussion going in case people answer slowly)
1. Don’t focus on feelings – focus on facts
a. How does the fact that God will help you get through depression speak to you? Hebrews 13:5-6
2. Don’t compare yourself to others
a. Why is it a bad thing to compare yourself to others?
3. Don’t exaggerate the negative
a. Why do we do this?
4. Take care of your physical needs
a. How does NOT taking care of our physical needs continue to cause us to spiral downwards?
5. Take your problems to God
a. Doesn’t God hate to hear you gripe about your petty problems?
b. READ Mark 14:32-35 after the discussion and show that even Jesus needed to do that in order to the most difficult moments of his life. Once he did that, he was able to face what was coming his way.
6. Have a fresh encounter with God
a. How can you have a fresh encounter with God?
7. Find new direction from God
a. How does having a purpose help you overcome depression?
b. How does God give us a new direction? He directly told Elijah what to do next, but does he do that today?