When You Lose Hope

Is something wrong with me?

Discouragement means you’re still alive.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.1 Peter 4:12-13

“And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.”

Mark 6: 45-46

Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?Matthew 26:38-40

Emotions are not inherently sinful. God has given us these emotions.

We run into trouble when we allow our emotions to rule our hearts and lives.

The goal is not to stop feeling. The goal is to process through our feelings and get our heart to align with Scripture.

Depression must be viewed from a biological-psychological-social-spiritual perspective.

Major Depressive Disorder is a clinical diagnosis that causes significant distress and impairs functioning.

Depression comes from a loss of hope.

Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.Psalm 44:22-26

It’s okay to be depressed, you just can’t stay there.

You must do whatever it takes to restore your hope.

Hope is a skill that takes practice.

Is it sinful for Christians to take medication?

The goal is to focus our hearts on Jesus. If medicine can calm our minds to allow them to focus on Jesus and the Truth of the Word, it may be beneficial.

If your hope is found in your medication regimen, pills will not make your problems go away.

The cure for hopelessness is hope and Jesus should always be our first option, not the last.

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,2 Thessalonians 2:16

“It is unclear whether medication is any more helpful than counseling. (And it is unclear whether counseling is any better, overall, than talking with a wise friend.) Even in cases of severe depression, careful analysis of the evidence does not always demonstrate the superior effectiveness of medication over secular counseling. You would expect at least similar results when you allow Scripture to guide you.”, Edward Welch

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation.

Suicide is a sin.

There is no sin so great to separate us from God’s grace.

Salvation for any person rests in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, not in abstaining from sinful acts.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you MUST get help. Call 988.

Jesus’ love is tangible in the body of Christ.

Jesus is always near.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Psalm 34:18

The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.Psalm 145:18

We must be vulnerable with those who love us.

We must normalize talking about our struggles within the body of Christ.

How to find hope again

Step back and examine yourself.

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.Lamentations 3:40-41

Confess and forsake sin.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.Proverbs 28:13

Talk to your pastor.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Hebrews 13:17

Practice Scriptural affirmation and self-talk.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.Psalm 42:11

• I am created by God • I am loved by God • I am accepted by God • I am forgiven by God • I am approved by God • I am transformed by God

Megadose on the Word of God.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Psalm 119:9-11

Cry out to God in unfiltered prayer.

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!Psalm 107:19-21

Journal God’s blessings.

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;Psalm 105:5

Be in church every time the doors are open.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.Proverbs 27:17

Delete social media.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.2 Corinthians 10:12

Take it one day at a time.

It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.Lamentations 3:22-23

Choose hope.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;2 Corinthians 10:5