WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.000 Now, let me pray before we dive into this topic. Let's pray together. 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:10.060 Heavenly Father, we come before you this evening and we have a very difficult topic to discuss. 00:00:10.939 --> 00:00:15.740 And yet we thank you that your words does not shy away from things that we find tough, 00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:21.699 but that we can find hope and that we can find comfort in your words. 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:26.980 And ultimately through Jesus Christ, in whose holy and precious name we pray. Amen. 00:00:26.980 --> 00:00:35.159 Now, brothers and sisters, tonight we come to a very difficult topic, depression. 00:00:36.259 --> 00:00:44.400 We're only going to be able to dip our toes into the waters of what is a very, very vast and complicated topic. 00:00:45.679 --> 00:00:51.679 I know that for many of you here, this is a very real and raw battle. 00:00:51.679 --> 00:00:57.100 For some of you, depression is something that you go through every single day. 00:00:57.859 --> 00:01:06.760 It's that ever-present darkness in your lives that robs you of the ability to live the life you actually want to live. 00:01:08.280 --> 00:01:14.739 For others, depression is something that you, maybe you have friends or family members who struggle with it 00:01:14.739 --> 00:01:19.099 and you want to know how best to care for and support them in their depression. 00:01:20.119 --> 00:01:27.759 Now, in the course of tonight, we are going to touch on topics and feelings that may be triggering to some of you. 00:01:28.959 --> 00:01:32.439 We may talk about things that you want to unpack a little bit further. 00:01:32.560 --> 00:01:35.319 And if that's the case, please do reach out. 00:01:36.539 --> 00:01:37.959 Come and talk to me afterwards. 00:01:38.159 --> 00:01:39.159 Talk to one of the elders. 00:01:40.019 --> 00:01:42.979 We want to help you think through this topic together. 00:01:42.980 --> 00:01:47.700 Now, depression is something that I find myself speaking about a lot. 00:01:48.420 --> 00:01:53.320 It is not a topic that I like, nor am I a mental health professional. 00:01:54.219 --> 00:01:56.939 It is a topic that pains me. 00:01:58.420 --> 00:02:01.520 It is a topic that plagues people that I love. 00:02:03.480 --> 00:02:07.560 And it is a topic that has robbed me of loved ones in the past. 00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:13.719 But it is also a topic that I have firsthand experience with. 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:20.879 So I grew up in a Christian home, but for years wore a mask, pretending that everything was fine, 00:02:21.560 --> 00:02:23.620 that I was a good Christian boy. 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:26.120 But all the while, I wasn't. 00:02:27.420 --> 00:02:29.560 As time went on, I began to feel alone. 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:35.080 A room could have been full of people, but I reasoned that they didn't really know me. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:39.599 And the more I wore the mask, the darker my thoughts became. 00:02:40.280 --> 00:02:43.800 And a weighty cloud of darkness seemed to fall on me. 00:02:45.180 --> 00:02:53.379 The words I would now use to describe my depression are empty, hollow, dark, grim, despair. 00:02:53.379 --> 00:02:57.039 There seemed to be no hope. 00:02:57.180 --> 00:02:58.819 There was no joy. 00:02:59.859 --> 00:03:07.099 And even slight moments of happiness would be overcast with the dark shadows of depression that followed me night and day. 00:03:08.639 --> 00:03:14.919 Whilst everyone slept in the physical darkness came, my thoughts descended even further into despair. 00:03:16.359 --> 00:03:22.219 For a number of years, I self-harmed almost daily in an attempt to feel something. 00:03:23.379 --> 00:03:27.159 I tried on three separate occasions to take my own life. 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:31.419 Now, my story is much longer than that. 00:03:31.479 --> 00:03:34.340 And if you want to know more, please do ask me. 00:03:34.340 --> 00:03:37.919 I would love to grab a copy with you and to chat through things. 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:41.539 But if you want, you can also grab a copy of this book. 00:03:41.719 --> 00:03:45.159 So this is a book that I've contributed my own testimony to. 00:03:45.379 --> 00:03:50.819 It's a book that seven pastors have written together of our stories of depression 00:03:50.819 --> 00:03:57.699 and what the church can do to help and how our experiences of depression shape the way we do ministry today. 00:03:57.799 --> 00:03:58.519 So there's two copies. 00:03:58.639 --> 00:03:59.359 I'll just leave them there. 00:03:59.459 --> 00:04:02.379 If you want to take one, please, please do. 00:04:03.739 --> 00:04:07.299 But I'm not saying any of that to glorify my past. 00:04:07.300 --> 00:04:14.740 Or to say that I know how every single depressed person feels because everyone's experience is different. 00:04:15.920 --> 00:04:23.220 But I'm opening up about my own past so that we can all see that this isn't only an out there problem. 00:04:23.220 --> 00:04:27.780 But it happens in the church. 00:04:29.360 --> 00:04:31.200 And it can often go unnoticed. 00:04:33.040 --> 00:04:38.580 And I want you to know this evening that I'm coming at this topic as a former sufferer of depression. 00:04:39.540 --> 00:04:44.660 I'm coming at it as a pastor with a heart for those who have poor mental health. 00:04:44.660 --> 00:04:53.540 And I'm coming at it as a Christian who always wants to point people to Jesus in both the good times and the bad. 00:04:55.420 --> 00:05:00.100 Depression or the general topic of poor mental health is not to be taken lightly. 00:05:01.140 --> 00:05:03.540 It affects so many people today. 00:05:04.180 --> 00:05:06.480 Christians and non-Christians alike. 00:05:07.640 --> 00:05:12.020 So let me just give you a plan of where I hope we're going to get through tonight. 00:05:12.019 --> 00:05:16.359 We're going to start by looking at some statistics on depression. 00:05:17.299 --> 00:05:22.399 Then we'll look at what the Bible has to say about depression and to the depressed. 00:05:23.019 --> 00:05:28.859 And then we'll think through some practical tips both for the depressed and for those caring for the depressed. 00:05:29.719 --> 00:05:37.039 So here are just a handful of statistics about depression to help us see how relevant a topic it really is. 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:51.400 So the World Health Organization has ranked depression as the single largest contributor to global disability. 00:05:53.580 --> 00:05:59.000 Depression is one of the most common mental health problems today in Scotland. 00:05:59.220 --> 00:06:03.580 One in ten people are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. 00:06:03.579 --> 00:06:09.620 That means that one of ten of us in this room, roughly speaking, 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:18.439 either has, has had, or will have depression at some point in our lives. 00:06:19.939 --> 00:06:24.019 So even if you don't have depression yourself, you probably know someone who has. 00:06:24.019 --> 00:06:29.799 This is a topic so close to home for so many people. 00:06:31.339 --> 00:06:34.099 But closely connected to the topic of depression, 00:06:34.740 --> 00:06:38.500 two are the horrific stats on suicide and self-harm. 00:06:39.759 --> 00:06:44.379 On average, two people a day in Scotland will die by suicide. 00:06:46.159 --> 00:06:51.979 Over the course of a lifetime, one in five people have suicidal thoughts. 00:06:51.980 --> 00:06:59.400 It's estimated that 115 people are affected by every suicide. 00:07:01.460 --> 00:07:04.920 Some of you here will probably know someone close to you, 00:07:05.300 --> 00:07:08.319 or know of someone who has taken their own life. 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:10.720 It is never, ever easy. 00:07:10.720 --> 00:07:17.080 And it can bring up emotions and trauma that must be taken seriously. 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:28.420 Suicide is the most common cause of death in men aged 15 to 44 after accidental death. 00:07:28.680 --> 00:07:32.900 And around 17% of people will self-harm during their lifetime. 00:07:32.899 --> 00:07:37.199 Now those stats are horrific. 00:07:38.319 --> 00:07:42.339 And they are deeply saddening because they aren't just numbers on a screen. 00:07:44.979 --> 00:07:46.439 They are loved ones. 00:07:47.739 --> 00:07:51.719 Each representing a person who struggles and in need of help. 00:07:52.039 --> 00:07:53.179 It is heartbreaking. 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:57.920 Sadly, this is the nature of the world we live in. 00:07:59.160 --> 00:08:04.500 So many people are crippled or impacted negatively by depression. 00:08:04.980 --> 00:08:10.819 But on top of all of that, there are countless people who suffer from depression 00:08:10.819 --> 00:08:14.860 or periods of depression-like symptoms who go undiagnosed. 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:22.840 Here's what Ed Welch, a registered psychologist and Christian counselor, says about depression. 00:08:24.100 --> 00:08:27.800 Think of depression not so much as I have it or I don't have it, 00:08:27.879 --> 00:08:29.620 but as a continuum of severity. 00:08:30.699 --> 00:08:34.300 On the one end, it is bothersome and at the other end, debilitating. 00:08:35.340 --> 00:08:38.840 The less severe is commonly referred to as situational depression 00:08:38.840 --> 00:08:42.480 and the more severe as clinical depression. 00:08:42.480 --> 00:08:49.120 Now depression is a vast topic that covers a wide variety of symptoms 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:51.600 with a varying degree of severity. 00:08:52.539 --> 00:08:55.340 But it is not a topic that the Bible is afraid of. 00:08:56.019 --> 00:09:00.620 And it is not a topic that we as Christians should be afraid of or ashamed of either. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:05.560 Instead, as a whole church, we need to see our role 00:09:05.560 --> 00:09:11.659 as we support and care for the depressed, both inside and outside. 00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:16.159 While at the same time recognizing our own limitations 00:09:16.159 --> 00:09:18.840 because we are not mental health professionals. 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:22.740 But let's turn our attention to God's word 00:09:22.740 --> 00:09:26.580 and look at what the Bible has to say about depression. 00:09:27.519 --> 00:09:31.899 Now the big questions that we may be asking is, 00:09:32.480 --> 00:09:34.580 where exactly does depression come from? 00:09:34.580 --> 00:09:42.520 And is there hope of an end to depression in the life of a Christian? 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:47.120 And to understand that, we need to take a bit of a step back 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:49.660 and go right back to the beginning of God's word 00:09:49.660 --> 00:09:51.940 in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:57.120 So Genesis 1 and 2 describe the creation of the world. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:10:01.460 God looks at the world, everything he created and said it is good. 00:10:01.580 --> 00:10:05.080 And then he looks at humanity, the pinnacle of creation, 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:07.820 the only part of creation that bears his image. 00:10:07.879 --> 00:10:10.259 And he says that they are very good. 00:10:11.659 --> 00:10:16.179 But a dramatic change comes in Genesis chapter 3, 00:10:16.440 --> 00:10:19.419 which I would argue is the beginning of depression. 00:10:21.379 --> 00:10:24.240 Genesis 3 is the point where sin enters into the world. 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:29.740 We know it as the fall, to where humanity are filled with shame and fear 00:10:29.740 --> 00:10:35.799 and where the whole of creation and every human heart is broken by sin and evil. 00:10:37.899 --> 00:10:43.659 So Genesis 3 is the beginning of the presence of sin and evil in the world. 00:10:44.820 --> 00:10:48.440 General suffering, evil, our corrupt natures, 00:10:48.620 --> 00:10:52.600 our broken bodies find their root in the fall. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:59.980 So it can be argued that depression finds its cause first and foremost in the fall. 00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:07.720 And this doesn't mean that depression can't be caused by chemical imbalances, 00:11:08.159 --> 00:11:11.700 but it means that even those chemical imbalances 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:15.899 or even spiritual elements of depression, 00:11:15.980 --> 00:11:18.460 and there can be spiritual causes for depression, 00:11:18.460 --> 00:11:25.560 find their root in the corruption and alienation from God of his good creation 00:11:25.560 --> 00:11:27.360 from Genesis 1 and 2. 00:11:28.759 --> 00:11:33.160 The root cause of suffering and depression is the entrance of sin in the world. 00:11:34.740 --> 00:11:38.180 So Genesis 3 tells us where depression comes from, 00:11:38.340 --> 00:11:40.240 but then on the other end of the Bible, 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:44.840 in Revelation 21, we see the end of depression in the life of the Christian. 00:11:44.840 --> 00:11:47.120 Look at the description with me. 00:11:47.280 --> 00:11:50.720 It'll be on the screen in Revelation 21 verses 3 to 4. 00:11:51.580 --> 00:11:56.000 Look, God's dwelling place is now among the people and he will dwell with them. 00:11:56.780 --> 00:12:01.060 They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:03.899 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:06.240 There will be no more death, 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:14.019 no more mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away. 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:18.320 At the end of the Bible, 00:12:18.440 --> 00:12:21.980 we get this glorious picture of the future that awaits every Christian, 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:23.019 free from sin, 00:12:23.960 --> 00:12:25.139 free from suffering, 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:26.360 free from pain, 00:12:26.840 --> 00:12:28.360 free from the attacks of Satan 00:12:28.360 --> 00:12:33.460 and united perfectly with our God forever. 00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:36.560 So those are the bookends of the Bible. 00:12:37.900 --> 00:12:39.720 Depression finds its root in the fall, 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:41.600 resulting in broken bodies, 00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:42.620 broken minds, 00:12:42.820 --> 00:12:43.680 broken emotions. 00:12:46.900 --> 00:12:49.120 But depression finds its end in Revelation, 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:51.460 where the whole of creation is restored. 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:55.360 But we find ourselves somewhere in the middle, don't we? 00:12:56.639 --> 00:13:00.200 We find ourselves in what I call Romans 8 times, 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:01.379 a time of groaning. 00:13:01.379 --> 00:13:05.559 Romans 8 verse 22 to 25 say this, 00:13:05.620 --> 00:13:13.360 we know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 00:13:14.299 --> 00:13:15.059 Not only so, 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:23.500 but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the spirit grown inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, 00:13:23.580 --> 00:13:25.279 the redemption of our bodies. 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:28.419 For in this hope we were saved. 00:13:28.419 --> 00:13:35.379 But hope in what is seen is no hope at all for who hopes for what they already have. 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:38.519 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, 00:13:38.679 --> 00:13:40.759 we wait for it patiently. 00:13:44.659 --> 00:13:45.939 Creation is groaning. 00:13:46.199 --> 00:13:47.399 That's where we find ourselves. 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:54.419 Now how does the Bible help the depressed in this time of groaning that we know is life on earth? 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:58.399 What comfort does the Bible give to the troubled soul? 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:02.779 Now obviously in our remaining time, 00:14:03.240 --> 00:14:09.639 we aren't able to talk about absolutely everything the Bible says to the depressed. 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:13.699 But I would like to highlight just two things that the Bible does. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:15.600 First of all, 00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:22.500 it gives us examples of faithful people who suffered depression like symptoms. 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:28.000 So we cannot say with absolute certainty that anyone in the Bible had depression, 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:31.779 but we can say that they suffered depression like symptoms. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:36.819 Maybe the one that springs to mind is Job, 00:14:37.579 --> 00:14:40.159 who we recently looked at over the summer. 00:14:41.339 --> 00:14:43.980 He said that he had no peace, 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:47.679 that he should have died before he was born, 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:49.220 that he hated his life. 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:51.399 And in Job 6, 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:56.139 he even asks to die to be rid of the pain that he feels. 00:14:56.139 --> 00:15:00.220 Or maybe you thought of David, 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:08.039 who in 2 Samuel 12 mourns and grieves as his child lays sick and dying. 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:13.480 Or maybe you think of some of his honest reflections in the Psalms 00:15:13.480 --> 00:15:19.259 as he opens up about his own weakness and struggles like Psalm 38 or Psalm 130. 00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:23.379 Or maybe you think of Jeremiah, 00:15:23.819 --> 00:15:25.960 known as the weeping prophet. 00:15:27.059 --> 00:15:29.620 Who in Jeremiah chapter 20 prays this, 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:31.779 Cursed be the day I was born. 00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:36.139 Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow 00:15:36.139 --> 00:15:38.679 and to end my days in shame? 00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:45.100 The Bible gives us these examples to show us 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:47.960 how God walks with people 00:15:47.960 --> 00:15:51.159 even when they were at the end of their tether. 00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:56.980 And so we can trust that it's true for us today in life. 00:15:58.120 --> 00:16:01.019 Even when all we see around us is darkness, 00:16:01.699 --> 00:16:02.819 God is there. 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:08.000 Just because you maybe feel far away from God 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:10.660 and maybe you even feel abandoned by him, 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:14.040 that doesn't mean you've lost your salvation. 00:16:14.200 --> 00:16:15.340 That doesn't mean it's true. 00:16:15.340 --> 00:16:19.560 Just because you feel differently about God, 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:22.440 doesn't mean that God feels any differently about you. 00:16:22.440 --> 00:16:30.320 Those are just a few examples of people who suffered depression-like symptoms in the Bible. 00:16:30.320 --> 00:16:35.379 But do you see that the Bible isn't afraid of our dark emotions? 00:16:36.760 --> 00:16:41.520 It's not afraid of our frustrations, of our anger, of our pain. 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:46.059 In fact, the Bible invites us to come with all of that to God. 00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:49.699 Not just with our joy, with our thanksgiving, 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:52.960 but with our pain and with our sorrow. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.899 Now maybe you are depressed. 00:16:58.179 --> 00:17:00.720 Or maybe you know others who are suffering 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:02.699 and that makes you feel down. 00:17:03.199 --> 00:17:05.859 That leaves you feeling depleted of energy 00:17:05.859 --> 00:17:07.639 with no desire to do anything. 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:11.680 So often Christians can think 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:13.560 that we have to hide those emotions. 00:17:14.620 --> 00:17:17.840 That we have to pretend to be fine on a Sunday morning. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:19.200 Put on the Sunday best. 00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:20.420 Put on the good show. 00:17:22.060 --> 00:17:25.500 But a third of the Psalms are lament Psalms. 00:17:26.340 --> 00:17:29.600 Psalms where the writer is literally crying out to God 00:17:29.600 --> 00:17:32.060 as he looks at his life and sees pain and agony 00:17:32.060 --> 00:17:33.340 and he says, why? 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:39.279 We need to learn to lament like the Psalmists. 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:44.959 We need to know the benefit of praying our pain to God. 00:17:46.119 --> 00:17:49.240 The God who listens, who cares 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:52.279 and who wants us to run to him with it all. 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:56.720 So that's the first thing the Bible does 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:59.240 is it gives us faithful examples 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:02.379 of people who suffered depression-like symptoms. 00:18:03.339 --> 00:18:06.139 But the second thing that the Bible does 00:18:06.139 --> 00:18:08.319 is it gives us language and metaphors 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:10.799 that can help us express our pain. 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:14.199 So keep Psalm 88 open in front of you. 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:15.599 We're going to be jumping around it 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:17.159 just for a few moments together. 00:18:17.899 --> 00:18:21.379 The best example of this kind of Psalm 00:18:21.379 --> 00:18:26.199 is 88 because it is a Psalm of Heman, 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:27.159 the Ezraite. 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:29.839 We first meet him in 1 Chronicles 6. 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:32.399 He's renowned for his wisdom 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:34.419 and he served Solomon as a seer, 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:36.339 a kind of Old Testament prophet. 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:39.740 But Heman is most renowned today 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:42.019 for writing what is arguably 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:45.919 the most painful Psalm in the whole book of Psalms. 00:18:48.459 --> 00:18:51.220 And this was a song that was sung 00:18:51.220 --> 00:18:52.500 by the sons of Korah. 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:54.599 This is a Psalm of lament, 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:56.519 an individual Psalm of lament 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:59.319 that Heman wrote out of his pain. 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:02.180 Now reading that Psalm, 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:05.240 maybe you felt you resonated with Heman. 00:19:06.680 --> 00:19:08.940 Maybe you read some of those things 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:09.539 and you thought, 00:19:09.639 --> 00:19:11.019 yeah, I can remember days 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:12.200 where that was true for me. 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:16.019 I felt alone and abandoned in the pit. 00:19:17.500 --> 00:19:19.019 Or maybe you read that Psalm 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:20.720 and you were amazed that God would allow 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:24.100 such openness and honesty in the Bible. 00:19:27.100 --> 00:19:29.380 This Psalm is an individual lament, 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:31.680 a crying out to God in prayer 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:34.360 and an example of how we too 00:19:34.360 --> 00:19:36.259 can pray our pain to God 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:37.680 in a biblical way. 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:41.319 Unlike other Psalms of lament, 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:43.940 there is no hope at the end of Psalm 88. 00:19:43.940 --> 00:19:48.920 There is no resolution to continue to praise God 00:19:48.920 --> 00:19:51.880 despite severe depression-like symptoms. 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:53.920 There is only pain. 00:19:57.080 --> 00:20:00.200 The Bible acknowledges our darkest feelings. 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:03.340 Look at the end of Psalm 88. 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:06.799 Darkness is my closest friend. 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:10.160 Heman feels that there is no hope. 00:20:11.140 --> 00:20:12.960 And this has been going on for a little while. 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:14.720 Look at verse 15. 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:16.700 From my youth I have suffered 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:18.360 and been close to death. 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:21.360 He looks back over his life 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:24.380 and he sees nothing but bleak darkness, 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:26.799 pain and suffering. 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:31.059 But just look at some of the poetic language 00:20:31.059 --> 00:20:32.480 and metaphors that he uses 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:34.200 to describe how he feels. 00:20:34.860 --> 00:20:36.360 In verse 3 he says, 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:38.160 I am overwhelmed with troubles 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:40.799 and my life draws near to death. 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:44.700 He feels that his life is nothing more 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:46.419 than a shadow and he's overwhelmed. 00:20:47.159 --> 00:20:49.480 He feels like death is just around the corner. 00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:52.940 In verse 6 he says 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:55.299 that he feels like he's in the lowest pit 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:57.339 in the darkest depths. 00:20:58.279 --> 00:21:00.419 Now imagine you're in an underground cave. 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:02.619 No sunlight can reach you. 00:21:03.379 --> 00:21:04.619 You don't notice the difference 00:21:04.619 --> 00:21:06.119 between day and night. 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:09.279 Every waking minute 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:11.959 is wracked with anxiety, 00:21:12.739 --> 00:21:14.739 darkness, pain and despair. 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.479 It would feel suffocating. 00:21:17.159 --> 00:21:19.819 It would feel claustrophobic and terrifying. 00:21:22.059 --> 00:21:23.839 That is exactly how Heman says 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:24.979 he feels in his depression. 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:28.960 In verses 16 and 17 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:30.599 he laments because he feels 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:31.339 that his depression 00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:33.759 is a result of God's wrath on him. 00:21:33.860 --> 00:21:36.299 He says that God's wrath and troubles 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:38.360 surround him like a flood 00:21:38.360 --> 00:21:40.319 that has completely engulfed him. 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:44.519 He feels that he's drifting away 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:45.559 in a sea of darkness 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:48.620 with no lifeguard, 00:21:49.099 --> 00:21:50.079 no hope, 00:21:50.819 --> 00:21:51.559 no air, 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:53.180 but he's drowning in pain. 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:56.680 Do you feel that pain? 00:21:59.299 --> 00:22:00.860 And he also feels abandoned 00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:02.360 by all of his friends and family 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:04.480 and he feels abandoned by God. 00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:05.860 Look at verse 14. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:07.980 Why, Lord, do you reject me 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:09.519 and hide your face from me? 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:13.240 Brothers and sisters, 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:15.820 this is how so many people feel 00:22:15.820 --> 00:22:17.500 in the darkest days of depression. 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:23.460 But notice that even in his deepest pain 00:22:23.460 --> 00:22:24.200 and depression, 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:26.319 Heman still cries out to God. 00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:27.740 Verse 1, 00:22:27.880 --> 00:22:29.660 Night and day I cry out to you. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:30.359 Verse 9, 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:32.400 I call to you every day. 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:33.319 Verse 13, 00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:35.420 I cry to you for help, Lord. 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:38.619 He feels like his prayers 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:39.980 are not being listened to, 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:41.359 but he keeps on praying 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:42.720 and he reminds himself 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:44.140 of who God is. 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:46.540 The psalm, 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:48.080 whilst it's bleak 00:22:48.080 --> 00:22:49.380 and full of pain, 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:50.480 it starts in verse 1 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:51.280 with a declaration 00:22:51.280 --> 00:22:52.340 of who God is. 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:52.700 Lord, 00:22:52.860 --> 00:22:53.840 you are the God 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:54.920 who saves me. 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.000 There he's using 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.140 God's covenant name 00:22:59.140 --> 00:23:00.860 packed with all the history 00:23:00.860 --> 00:23:03.680 of God's covenant faithfulness, 00:23:04.020 --> 00:23:05.640 of his unfailing love 00:23:05.640 --> 00:23:06.420 for his people. 00:23:07.700 --> 00:23:08.860 He recognizes 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:10.620 that even if he doesn't feel it, 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:13.120 even if all he sees around him 00:23:13.119 --> 00:23:14.319 is despair and darkness, 00:23:14.459 --> 00:23:15.559 that God is the one 00:23:15.559 --> 00:23:16.359 who saves him. 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:21.519 Psalm 88 gives us language 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.339 and metaphors 00:23:22.339 --> 00:23:23.259 that we can use 00:23:23.259 --> 00:23:24.799 to cry out to God 00:23:24.799 --> 00:23:25.939 in our deepest pain. 00:23:27.459 --> 00:23:28.479 In the struggles 00:23:28.479 --> 00:23:29.639 of dark days, 00:23:29.679 --> 00:23:30.419 of depression, 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:32.259 of isolation, 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:34.099 of poor mental health, 00:23:34.179 --> 00:23:35.539 this psalm is an example 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:36.879 of what it means 00:23:36.879 --> 00:23:38.659 to suffer as a believer, 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:40.799 to take it to God 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:41.259 and lament, 00:23:42.139 --> 00:23:43.359 and to mourn 00:23:43.359 --> 00:23:44.099 the situation 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:44.980 that you are in. 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:47.279 I would encourage you all 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.440 to take the psalms 00:23:48.440 --> 00:23:48.859 of lament 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:49.899 and study them. 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.779 Use them as templates 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.559 to express 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:54.799 your darkest emotions 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:56.139 and pray them to God. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:58.720 Whilst many of the 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.639 psalms of lament 00:23:59.639 --> 00:24:00.680 are full of darkness, 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.359 there are also 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:02.559 great treasures 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:03.259 to be found. 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:06.299 This psalm ends 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:07.119 with no hope, 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:07.899 with darkness. 00:24:07.900 --> 00:24:09.980 For some people, 00:24:10.120 --> 00:24:11.160 depression will never 00:24:11.160 --> 00:24:11.820 go away, 00:24:12.280 --> 00:24:13.940 but it plagues them 00:24:13.940 --> 00:24:14.940 their whole lives. 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.580 We don't know why. 00:24:17.860 --> 00:24:18.700 We may never get 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:19.940 the answer to that question, 00:24:21.040 --> 00:24:23.200 but we are pointed 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:23.759 to God. 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:25.480 We are pointed 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.320 to the one 00:24:26.320 --> 00:24:27.320 who keeps 00:24:27.320 --> 00:24:28.820 his promises, 00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:31.180 the one who has promised 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:32.480 to walk with his people 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.120 through the good 00:24:33.120 --> 00:24:33.840 and the bad 00:24:33.840 --> 00:24:34.780 of life, 00:24:34.800 --> 00:24:35.780 no matter what comes 00:24:35.780 --> 00:24:36.400 our way. 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:39.320 But we also need 00:24:39.320 --> 00:24:40.380 to remember truth. 00:24:41.280 --> 00:24:42.120 Because no matter 00:24:42.120 --> 00:24:43.759 how real it may feel, 00:24:43.860 --> 00:24:45.300 no matter how overwhelming 00:24:45.300 --> 00:24:46.780 our pain may be, 00:24:47.580 --> 00:24:48.580 you are not alone. 00:24:50.680 --> 00:24:52.040 The God who is hearing 00:24:52.040 --> 00:24:53.400 this psalm of darkness 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:54.019 and pain 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:55.140 for the first time 00:24:55.140 --> 00:24:56.940 is the same God 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:58.320 who took on flesh 00:24:58.320 --> 00:24:59.240 and stepped into 00:24:59.240 --> 00:24:59.920 our darkness 00:24:59.920 --> 00:25:00.580 and pain. 00:25:02.880 --> 00:25:04.500 Jesus is the very answer 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:05.600 to human's prayer. 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:08.639 Jesus knows 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:09.359 what it's like 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:10.439 to feel despair. 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:11.659 He knows 00:25:11.659 --> 00:25:12.199 what it's like 00:25:12.199 --> 00:25:12.959 to feel pain, 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:13.839 to feel abandoned. 00:25:14.039 --> 00:25:15.539 In the Garden of Gethsemane, 00:25:15.639 --> 00:25:16.619 in Matthew 26, 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:17.299 Jesus said, 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.939 my soul is overwhelmed 00:25:18.939 --> 00:25:20.240 with sorrow 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.659 to the point of death. 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:24.939 On the cross, 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:25.779 Jesus cried out, 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.319 my God, 00:25:26.399 --> 00:25:26.799 my God, 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:28.159 why have you 00:25:28.159 --> 00:25:29.059 forsaken me? 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:33.139 In his hour of darkness, 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:34.179 he felt abandoned 00:25:34.179 --> 00:25:34.919 and alone 00:25:34.919 --> 00:25:36.200 and yet we know, 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:36.799 don't we, 00:25:37.179 --> 00:25:38.139 that God was doing 00:25:38.139 --> 00:25:39.000 a greater work 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:39.839 through his suffering. 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.919 We know that darkness 00:25:42.919 --> 00:25:44.019 was not the end 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:45.839 to Jesus' story. 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:49.179 Jesus bore that darkness, 00:25:49.339 --> 00:25:50.299 he bore that pain 00:25:50.299 --> 00:25:51.779 so that sinners like us, 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:54.419 sinners who suffer, 00:25:54.639 --> 00:25:56.139 sinners with poor mental health, 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.339 sinners with depression, 00:25:57.339 --> 00:25:58.859 broken people 00:25:58.859 --> 00:26:01.639 can be accepted by God. 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:05.240 Jesus understands 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:07.980 and just like his story 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:09.399 didn't end in darkness, 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:11.519 neither will the story 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.899 of all of those 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:14.119 who follow him. 00:26:15.879 --> 00:26:17.579 The dark clouds of depression 00:26:17.579 --> 00:26:18.539 may never leave you 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:19.259 in this life 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:19.959 but in the midst 00:26:19.959 --> 00:26:20.879 of that darkness, 00:26:21.079 --> 00:26:22.000 you need to remember 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:23.679 the truth 00:26:23.679 --> 00:26:25.339 that Jesus loves you 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:27.599 and that he promises 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:28.859 to be in that pit 00:26:28.859 --> 00:26:29.439 of despair 00:26:29.439 --> 00:26:30.799 with you. 00:26:33.419 --> 00:26:34.339 Jesus promises 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:35.240 never to leave 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:36.519 or forsake his people 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.819 and that is a promise 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:39.480 that you can stand firm on. 00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:42.139 In your moments 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:42.799 of despair, 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:45.539 as the old hymn says, 00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:46.299 turn your eyes 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:46.959 upon Jesus. 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:50.799 look full 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:52.240 in his wonderful face 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:54.440 and the things of earth 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.779 will grow strangely dim 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:56.860 in the light 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:57.779 of his glory 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:58.740 and grace. 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.759 Now before we sing 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.319 that song 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:02.900 and enter into 00:27:02.900 --> 00:27:03.720 a time of communion 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:04.900 together, 00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:05.900 let me just give 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:07.819 a few practical tips 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.680 for the depressed 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:10.000 and for the carer 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:11.380 of the depressed. 00:27:12.380 --> 00:27:13.340 So some tips 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:14.360 for the depressed. 00:27:15.160 --> 00:27:15.539 One, 00:27:15.539 --> 00:27:16.519 go to the doctors. 00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:18.559 By God's grace, 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:19.899 we have mental health 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:20.379 professionals 00:27:20.379 --> 00:27:21.599 who have been trained 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:23.879 and know how to help. 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:25.319 That help may take 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:26.339 the form of counseling 00:27:26.339 --> 00:27:27.279 or medication 00:27:27.279 --> 00:27:28.819 or both. 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:30.559 It is not wrong 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:31.680 for Christians 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:33.339 to take antidepressants. 00:27:35.399 --> 00:27:36.680 It is not wrong 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:38.039 for Christians 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:38.920 to need help. 00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:40.859 God, 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.440 by his grace, 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.259 has given us people 00:27:42.259 --> 00:27:42.779 with wisdom 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:43.859 to know how to do that. 00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:45.839 The Bible never says 00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:46.639 come to Jesus 00:27:46.639 --> 00:27:47.919 and all your problems 00:27:47.919 --> 00:27:48.459 will be gone. 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:50.459 That is the false teaching 00:27:50.459 --> 00:27:51.399 of the so-called 00:27:51.399 --> 00:27:52.539 prosperity gospel. 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:55.299 So go to the doctors. 00:27:56.699 --> 00:27:57.819 Go to the Lord. 00:27:58.719 --> 00:28:00.299 Take all of your concerns, 00:28:00.419 --> 00:28:00.879 your fear, 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:01.579 your worries, 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:02.419 your pain 00:28:02.419 --> 00:28:03.939 and pray it to God. 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.719 Sometimes praying 00:28:06.719 --> 00:28:07.579 will be the last thing 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:08.219 you want to do. 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:10.740 But speaking openly 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:12.120 and regularly to God, 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:13.400 crying out to him 00:28:13.400 --> 00:28:15.299 will help. 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:17.500 Remember that God 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:18.059 doesn't say, 00:28:18.339 --> 00:28:18.779 come to me 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.940 all you who are happy 00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:21.120 and have everything sorted. 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:22.920 What does he say? 00:28:23.120 --> 00:28:23.880 Come to me 00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:25.140 all you who are weary 00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:26.299 and heavy laden. 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.740 It may seem like 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.640 the hardest thing to do, 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:35.620 but keep on praying. 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:37.720 Keep on running to God. 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:40.019 Thirdly, 00:28:40.059 --> 00:28:41.019 go to God's people. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.019 The church is here 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:43.600 to help you. 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:45.420 Speak to the elders. 00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:47.039 Ask us to meet you. 00:28:47.180 --> 00:28:47.900 Read the Bible 00:28:47.900 --> 00:28:49.059 with someone. 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:50.420 Often reading the Bible 00:28:50.420 --> 00:28:51.680 alone for the depressed 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:52.700 can be quite hard 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:54.000 and quite a difficult 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.779 thing to do 00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:55.980 and it's also 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.620 quite massive. 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:57.640 So where do you begin? 00:28:58.960 --> 00:29:00.059 Pick it up with someone. 00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:02.299 Walk through passages 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:02.779 together. 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:03.740 Work through your 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.220 difficult questions 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:04.779 questions 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:06.460 and have an honest 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.839 and open relationship 00:29:07.839 --> 00:29:08.620 where you are held 00:29:08.620 --> 00:29:09.680 accountable for your 00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:10.160 actions 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:12.440 and for your thinking. 00:29:13.600 --> 00:29:15.039 I know that seems 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.539 like the hardest thing 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.519 to talk to people 00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.460 about your poor mental 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:18.900 health. 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.920 We're here to care for you. 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:23.839 We want to support you. 00:29:23.839 --> 00:29:26.099 No one will think 00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:26.839 any differently 00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:27.799 of you 00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:28.779 because you struggle. 00:29:32.179 --> 00:29:32.980 And lastly, 00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:34.059 remember the truth. 00:29:35.399 --> 00:29:35.959 Too often 00:29:35.959 --> 00:29:36.419 depression 00:29:36.419 --> 00:29:37.299 can rob people 00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:37.980 of the ability 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:38.919 to see the truth. 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.579 They feel that 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:42.079 God has left them, 00:29:42.339 --> 00:29:43.519 that God is punishing them, 00:29:43.599 --> 00:29:44.679 that there is no hope, 00:29:44.939 --> 00:29:45.899 but that isn't true. 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:47.400 Instead, 00:29:47.660 --> 00:29:48.640 fill your minds 00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:49.460 with the things 00:29:49.460 --> 00:29:50.100 that are above 00:29:50.100 --> 00:29:51.480 as Colossians 3 says 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.400 or Romans 12, 00:29:52.560 --> 00:29:53.860 renew your minds 00:29:53.860 --> 00:29:54.340 daily. 00:29:55.940 --> 00:29:56.820 Have people 00:29:56.820 --> 00:29:57.440 around you 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:58.840 who regularly 00:29:58.840 --> 00:30:00.160 pray for you 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:01.420 and pray with you. 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:03.380 People who remind you 00:30:03.380 --> 00:30:04.019 of the gospel 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:04.800 and how it's true 00:30:04.800 --> 00:30:05.600 for you too. 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:09.080 And there can be 00:30:09.080 --> 00:30:10.180 a spiritual element 00:30:10.180 --> 00:30:10.880 to depression 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:12.800 because Satan 00:30:12.800 --> 00:30:13.540 knows how to 00:30:13.540 --> 00:30:14.240 pull us down 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:15.620 and how to 00:30:15.620 --> 00:30:16.259 distract us 00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:16.779 from God. 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:19.220 He does that 00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.039 through lies 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:21.700 and we combat 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.339 those lies 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.039 with the truth 00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:24.000 of God's word. 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:28.019 So for example, 00:30:28.279 --> 00:30:29.099 make a list 00:30:29.099 --> 00:30:29.720 of the lies 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:30.460 that you're believing 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:33.779 and combat that 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:34.720 with biblical truth. 00:30:34.920 --> 00:30:35.779 Write it all down. 00:30:36.140 --> 00:30:36.519 Write down 00:30:36.519 --> 00:30:37.299 what God says 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:37.859 about you, 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:39.059 not what you're 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:39.480 believing 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:41.660 or what culture 00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:42.480 says about you. 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:44.480 So those are 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.319 just a few tips 00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:46.740 for the depressed 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.480 and just a whistle 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.099 stop tour 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:48.759 of things, 00:30:49.120 --> 00:30:50.319 of tips for the carers. 00:30:51.279 --> 00:30:52.299 Go towards 00:30:52.299 --> 00:30:53.059 the depressed. 00:30:54.440 --> 00:30:55.299 Be in it 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:56.220 for the long haul. 00:30:57.059 --> 00:30:57.700 Some people 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:58.220 may suffer 00:30:58.220 --> 00:30:58.940 from depression 00:30:58.940 --> 00:30:59.640 for the rest 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:00.339 of their lives. 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:00.980 You will need 00:31:00.980 --> 00:31:02.440 to listen well 00:31:02.440 --> 00:31:04.220 and for a long time. 00:31:06.140 --> 00:31:07.220 Be compassionate. 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:07.740 Don't try 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.860 to fix people. 00:31:08.859 --> 00:31:11.159 Just be there 00:31:11.159 --> 00:31:11.619 for them 00:31:11.619 --> 00:31:13.839 and be normal. 00:31:14.639 --> 00:31:15.240 Don't always 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:15.779 talk about 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:16.359 their poor 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:17.059 mental health. 00:31:17.919 --> 00:31:18.339 Invite them 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:19.139 into your lives. 00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:19.919 Be a family 00:31:19.919 --> 00:31:20.619 for them. 00:31:22.619 --> 00:31:23.779 Go to the Lord. 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:25.439 You might be 00:31:25.439 --> 00:31:26.459 hearing and seeing 00:31:26.459 --> 00:31:27.139 things that are 00:31:27.139 --> 00:31:28.199 unbelievably hard 00:31:28.199 --> 00:31:28.599 for you 00:31:28.599 --> 00:31:29.079 and you need 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:29.659 to take that 00:31:29.659 --> 00:31:30.059 to God 00:31:30.059 --> 00:31:30.639 because you will 00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:31.899 most often 00:31:31.899 --> 00:31:33.240 be out of your depth. 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:36.859 Go to support. 00:31:37.019 --> 00:31:38.039 Caring for the depressed 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:38.700 is hard 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.799 and you need 00:31:39.799 --> 00:31:40.299 to make sure 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:41.339 that you are supported 00:31:41.339 --> 00:31:42.099 as you care 00:31:42.099 --> 00:31:42.740 for others 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:43.659 as well. 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.319 And then lastly, 00:31:46.440 --> 00:31:47.019 go to school. 00:31:48.420 --> 00:31:49.759 Invest time 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:50.420 in the Bible. 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:52.139 Get to know 00:31:52.139 --> 00:31:52.859 the promises 00:31:52.859 --> 00:31:53.379 of God. 00:31:53.500 --> 00:31:54.460 Get good gospel 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:55.839 truths into your blood 00:31:55.839 --> 00:31:56.599 because a time 00:31:56.599 --> 00:31:57.180 may come 00:31:57.180 --> 00:31:59.139 when that is all 00:31:59.139 --> 00:32:00.039 you have to cling to. 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.500 Invest in your 00:32:03.500 --> 00:32:03.879 suffering 00:32:03.879 --> 00:32:04.859 even before it 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:05.299 comes. 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:07.539 Now there is 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:08.559 obviously plenty 00:32:08.559 --> 00:32:09.500 more than the Bible 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:10.519 says to the depressed. 00:32:10.639 --> 00:32:11.200 We haven't even 00:32:11.200 --> 00:32:12.339 began to scratch 00:32:12.339 --> 00:32:12.960 the surface 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:14.079 but remember 00:32:14.079 --> 00:32:14.700 that the Bible 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:15.940 is not afraid 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:16.960 of depression 00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:17.420 and neither 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:18.099 should we be. 00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:19.960 Instead, 00:32:20.099 --> 00:32:20.720 we have a Savior 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.379 who promises 00:32:21.379 --> 00:32:22.159 to be with us 00:32:22.159 --> 00:32:22.819 even in that 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:23.599 pit of despair. 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:25.700 So let us fix 00:32:25.700 --> 00:32:26.599 our eyes on Him 00:32:26.599 --> 00:32:27.539 and help each other 00:32:27.539 --> 00:32:28.519 as we eagerly 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:29.859 await the day 00:32:29.859 --> 00:32:31.180 that He returns. 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:33.180 Let's pray together. 00:32:33.180 --> 00:32:37.600 Heavenly Father, 00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:38.720 we come before 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.380 you this evening 00:32:39.380 --> 00:32:40.240 and we 00:32:40.240 --> 00:32:42.279 realize we 00:32:42.279 --> 00:32:42.740 haven't even 00:32:42.740 --> 00:32:43.560 scratched the 00:32:43.560 --> 00:32:44.940 surface of what 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:45.660 your word has 00:32:45.660 --> 00:32:46.120 to say. 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:47.740 And yet, 00:32:47.880 --> 00:32:48.039 Father, 00:32:48.120 --> 00:32:48.660 we thank you 00:32:48.660 --> 00:32:49.259 that there is 00:32:49.259 --> 00:32:49.640 hope. 00:32:50.700 --> 00:32:51.500 For all those 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:52.220 who cling to you, 00:32:52.299 --> 00:32:52.980 we have the hope 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:53.960 of eternal life, 00:32:54.019 --> 00:32:55.019 of perfect harmony, 00:32:55.019 --> 00:32:55.880 without sin, 00:32:56.039 --> 00:32:57.160 without the broken 00:32:57.160 --> 00:32:57.660 bodies, 00:32:57.820 --> 00:32:58.640 without the result 00:32:58.640 --> 00:32:59.539 of the fall 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:00.700 in this world, 00:33:00.700 --> 00:33:01.500 but a creation 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.539 and a relationship 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:03.700 with you restored. 00:33:05.700 --> 00:33:06.220 Father, 00:33:06.299 --> 00:33:06.920 would that hope 00:33:06.920 --> 00:33:07.759 carry us through 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.720 this Romans 8 00:33:08.720 --> 00:33:09.860 life of groaning 00:33:09.860 --> 00:33:10.799 that we live in? 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:13.759 Jesus, 00:33:13.880 --> 00:33:14.380 would you bring 00:33:14.380 --> 00:33:15.299 comfort to the 00:33:15.299 --> 00:33:15.799 depressed? 00:33:17.559 --> 00:33:18.440 Would you, 00:33:18.860 --> 00:33:19.500 by your Spirit, 00:33:19.600 --> 00:33:20.360 be reminding them 00:33:20.360 --> 00:33:21.360 of gospel truths 00:33:21.360 --> 00:33:22.160 that will carry them 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:22.900 through even the 00:33:22.900 --> 00:33:23.860 darkest of days? 00:33:24.920 --> 00:33:25.980 Would you protect 00:33:25.980 --> 00:33:26.279 them? 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:28.620 Father, 00:33:28.720 --> 00:33:29.319 would you give us 00:33:29.319 --> 00:33:30.559 wisdom to know 00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:31.519 how to care for 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:32.519 and support them 00:33:32.519 --> 00:33:33.559 and to love them 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:33.839 well? 00:33:36.299 --> 00:33:36.759 Father, 00:33:36.839 --> 00:33:37.480 we pray we would 00:33:37.480 --> 00:33:39.059 be a church 00:33:39.059 --> 00:33:40.759 that cares 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:41.379 for those 00:33:41.379 --> 00:33:42.039 with poor mental 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:43.039 health and welcomes 00:33:43.039 --> 00:33:44.259 them in to join 00:33:44.259 --> 00:33:44.919 our family 00:33:44.919 --> 00:33:46.740 as we gather 00:33:46.740 --> 00:33:47.740 to worship you. 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:49.500 In Jesus' name 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:49.919 we pray. 00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:51.099 Amen.