Category: Depression

Categories
Depression Elijah Revelation

Spiritual Checkup

“And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV) God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word. As you read the Bible, you come to know the heart of God for world redemption and you gain insight into God’s nature and character. The ultimate revelation of God is His Son, Jesus. Jesus is God incarnate. Jesus became flesh, lived a sinless life, and died to purchase our salvation. God’s Word is nourishment for your soul. God has provided the way for us to walk in relationship with Himself and to walk in relationship with other believers. Elijah had chosen to leave his servant. As a result, his depression escalated in proportion to his isolation. One of Satan’s most effective tools is that of isolation. He wants to remove you from relationships because God designed you for relationships. In fact, the first “not good” in the Bible is where God said that it is not good for the man to be alone (Gen 2:18). It’s time for a spiritual checkup. What are you currently doing for refreshment? What adjustments do you need to make in order to get more rest? Are you having a consistent intake of God’s Word? Do you have a life-giving friend? Ask God to help you in these four specific areas to help you grow through depression. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Rest

The Value of Rest

“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.‘ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (ESV) When Elijah reached the lowest point of his life and prayed that he might die, God provided Elijah with physical nourishment and rest. You will spend one-third of your life sleeping. For your body to operate at maximum capacity, rest is a nonnegotiable. So how’s your sleep? Do you feel rested when you awake each morning? Sleep deprivation will negatively affect your mood, your energy, and your stress level. To help ease your mind at night, have a notepad and pen close to your bed so you can jot down the items that are bothering you. No need to count sheep, just talk to the Shepherd! Pray through whatever you are worrying about and anything that God brings to your mind. When your mind is at peace, your rest will be sweet. Your pillow, mattress, sheets, and comforter do impact how well you sleep. If your room is too bright, you may want to think of ways to make your room darker. Another tip is to locate your alarm clock away from your face and place it across the room. If total silence helps you sleep better, then eliminate noise. If soft music helps you relax and fall asleep, then turn on the music. God wants you to take care of your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, do whatever it takes to ensure a good night’s rest. When you are well rested, you will feel the difference and you will have more energy to live for God’s glory. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Suicide

Positioned for a Comeback

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’” 1 Kings 19:4 (ESV) Have you ever reached a point in your life where you had just had enough? In our fast-paced culture, it is easy to reach the breaking point. Frustration, fear, fatigue, and financial pressure along with other stress in life can lead you to the place of depression. When you are depressed, your resistance to the stress of life weakens and your ability to bounce back may be inhibited. What did God do to bring relief to the depression Elijah was experiencing? “And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.‘ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (ESV) “And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:7-8 (ESV) Your body requires refreshment. God has designed your body to operate effectively and efficiently with the proper consumption of healthy food. Food is fuel for your body. What kind of fuel are you putting into your body? Elijah ate the food God provided for his refreshment. You could call it Angel food cake. Sometimes you may feel depressed simply because of a nutritional deficit. Depression can also be the result of the unhealthy food we choose to eat. You can start experiencing God’s refreshment by embracing two healthy habits: eating nutritionally and exercising consistently. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
Anguish Depression Job

Anguish and Affliction

“‘And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me. The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.’” Job 30:16-17 (ESV) I don’t know how much more I can take. Have you ever said that? Have you ever felt that way? Job became weary from his arduous journey with adversity. His soul was now in anguish and his days of affliction had gained more ground. Job’s emotional stability had been capsized by the violent waves of pain. His image had been altered and his self-worth had been placed on the clearance rack. Job hit a low point. Living in a world polluted by sin and infested with our fallen condition generates an environment far from paradise. We live on a broken planet that stems from the Fall of man. The earth is cursed and humanity combats the presence of sin, sickness, and sorrow. God redeems us from our sin and re-creates us to be like Christ so that we can be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. God allows us to remain on this broken planet to join Him in restoring fallen humanity. God entrusts us with the task of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. He is our hope, our peace, and our future. God dispenses grace to match our need. When you spiral down into the depths of despair, God’s grace is distributed in proportion to your deficit. The Apostle Paul advanced through adversity by accessing the grace God supplied. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor 12:9 ESV). Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
Depression Elijah Revelation

Spiritual Checkup

“And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV) God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word. As you read the Bible, you come to know the heart of God for world redemption and you gain insight into God’s nature and character. The ultimate revelation of God is His Son, Jesus. Jesus is God incarnate. Jesus became flesh, lived a sinless life, and died to purchase our salvation. God’s Word is nourishment for your soul. God has provided the way for us to walk in relationship with Himself and to walk in relationship with other believers. Elijah had chosen to leave his servant. As a result, his depression escalated in proportion to his isolation. One of Satan’s most effective tools is that of isolation. He wants to remove you from relationships because God designed you for relationships. In fact, the first “not good” in the Bible is where God said that it is not good for the man to be alone (Gen 2:18). It’s time for a spiritual checkup. What are you currently doing for refreshment? What adjustments do you need to make in order to get more rest? Are you having a consistent intake of God’s Word? Do you have a life-giving friend? Ask God to help you in these four specific areas to help you grow through depression. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Rest

The Value of Rest

“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.‘ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (ESV) When Elijah reached the lowest point of his life and prayed that he might die, God provided Elijah with physical nourishment and rest. You will spend one-third of your life sleeping. For your body to operate at maximum capacity, rest is a nonnegotiable. So how’s your sleep? Do you feel rested when you awake each morning? Sleep deprivation will negatively affect your mood, your energy, and your stress level. To help ease your mind at night, have a notepad and pen close to your bed so you can jot down the items that are bothering you. No need to count sheep, just talk to the Shepherd! Pray through whatever you are worrying about and anything that God brings to your mind. When your mind is at peace, your rest will be sweet. Your pillow, mattress, sheets, and comforter do impact how well you sleep. If your room is too bright, you may want to think of ways to make your room darker. Another tip is to locate your alarm clock away from your face and place it across the room. If total silence helps you sleep better, then eliminate noise. If soft music helps you relax and fall asleep, then turn on the music. God wants you to take care of your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, do whatever it takes to ensure a good night’s rest. When you are well rested, you will feel the difference and you will have more energy to live for God’s glory. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Rest

The Value of Rest

“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.‘ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (ESV) When Elijah reached the lowest point of his life and prayed that he might die, God provided Elijah with physical nourishment and rest. You will spend one-third of your life sleeping. For your body to operate at maximum capacity, rest is a nonnegotiable. So how’s your sleep? Do you feel rested when you awake each morning? Sleep deprivation will negatively affect your mood, your energy, and your stress level. To help ease your mind at night, have a notepad and pen close to your bed so you can jot down the items that are bothering you. No need to count sheep, just talk to the Shepherd! Pray through whatever you are worrying about and anything that God brings to your mind. When your mind is at peace, your rest will be sweet. Your pillow, mattress, sheets, and comforter do impact how well you sleep. If your room is too bright, you may want to think of ways to make your room darker. Another tip is to locate your alarm clock away from your face and place it across the room. If total silence helps you sleep better, then eliminate noise. If soft music helps you relax and fall asleep, then turn on the music. God wants you to take care of your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, do whatever it takes to ensure a good night’s rest. When you are well rested, you will feel the difference and you will have more energy to live for God’s glory. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Suicide

Rock Bottom

“Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.‘” 1 Kings 19:3-4 (ESV) Have you ever reached a point in your life where you had just had enough? In our fast-paced culture, it is easy to reach the breaking point. Frustration, fear, fatigue, and financial pressure along with other stress in life can lead you to the place of depression. When you are depressed, your resistance to the stress of life weakens and your ability to bounce back may be inhibited. What did God do to bring relief to the depression Elijah was experiencing? “And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.‘ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (ESV) “And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:7-8 (ESV) Your body requires refreshment. God has designed your body to operate effectively and efficiently with the proper consumption of healthy food. Food is fuel for your body. What kind of fuel are you putting into your body? Elijah ate the food God provided for his refreshment. You could call it Angel food cake. Sometimes you may feel depressed simply because of a nutritional deficit. Depression can also be the result of the unhealthy food we choose to eat. Start experiencing God’s refreshment by eating properly and exercising consistently. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Fear Perspective

Loss of Perspective

“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.’” 1 Kings 19:1-2 (ESV) Loss of perspective leads to confusion. Elijah confronted idolatry and the forces of evil with courage and boldness. He aggressively opposed the prophets of Baal and Asherah. Elijah was able to raise his hands in victory after the fire of God fell on Mt. Carmel to consume the sacrifice. The public victory had been won. Privately, Elijah shifted from faith in God to fear of the wicked woman, Jezebel. Elijah confronted the prophets with utter courage and now is running for his life as a coward because of a threat from Jezebel. Elijah displayed confusion as a result of losing his perspective. He falls into deep depression. What are some causes of depression? Frustration can lead to depression. Frustration over the circumstances you find yourself in can lead to depression. Sometimes frustration related to a strained relationship can cause depression. Fear can certainly bring you down into the pit of despair. When you stop viewing life through the eyes of faith and start viewing life through the eyes of fear, depression seeps in. Fatigue has a way of opening the door to depression. When you are exhausted, you can quickly lose perspective. Then, of course, there is the bandit of financial pressure. That kind of perpetual pressure can lead you down the alley of depression. Do you currently have God’s perspective on your life and on your circumstances? Have you experienced any level of depression in recent days? There’s hope! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Zeal

Rhythm of Life

“Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.‘” 1 Kings 19:3-4 (ESV) What kind of life am I living? As you assess your current reality, you will find that life has a rhythm. You will experience a season of highs and a season of lows and a season of in-betweens. Life will be marked by mountain top experiences, valley experiences, and uneventful plateaus. Life has a certain rhythm that requires our faith to be anchored to the Rock, Jesus Christ. Elijah had a mountain top experience on Mount Carmel and the power of God fell in a mighty demonstration. This would be considered a major spiritual marker in Elijah’s life as well as  a major spiritual victory over the prophets of Baal and the prophets of Asherah. Yet, Elijah descends into major depression following this mountaintop experience to the point of wanting God to take his life. Now that’s pretty low! God came to Elijah’s rescue and provided him with rest, refreshment, revelation, and relationship. That’s the rhythm of life. Our life today is similar in that we will experience major spiritual victories as well as some personal defeats that knock the wind out of us. The question becomes: What kind of life am I living? In the midst of the realities of life on a broken planet in a fallen world, am I living the life God has for me? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Anguish Depression Job

Anguish and Affliction

“‘And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me. 17 The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.’” Job 30:16-17 (ESV) I don’t know how much more I can take. Have you ever said that? Have you ever felt that way? Job became weary from his arduous journey with adversity. His soul was now in anguish and his days of affliction had gained more ground. Job’s emotional stability had been capsized by the violent waves of pain. His image had been altered and his self-worth had been placed on the clearance rack. Job hit a low point. Living in a world polluted by sin and infested with our fallen condition generates an environment far from paradise. We live on a broken planet that stems from the Fall of man. The earth is cursed and humanity combats the presence of sin, sickness, and sorrow. God redeems us from our sin and re-creates us to be like Christ so that we can be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. God allows us to remain on this broken planet to join Him in restoring fallen humanity. God entrusts us with the task of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. He is our hope, our peace, and our future. God dispenses grace to match our need. When you spiral down into the depths of despair, God’s grace is distributed in proportion to your deficit. The Apostle Paul advanced through adversity by accessing the grace God supplied. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor 12:9 ESV). Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 11: Job 29-31) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Revelation

Spiritual Checkup

“The LORD said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV) God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word. As you read the Bible, you come to know the heart of God for world redemption and you gain insight into God’s nature and character. The ultimate revelation of God is His Son, Jesus. Jesus is God incarnate. Jesus became flesh, lived a sinless life, and died to purchase our salvation. God’s Word is nourishment for your soul. God has provided the way for us to walk in relationship with Himself and to walk in relationship with other believers. Elijah had chosen to leave his servant. As a result, his depression escalated in proportion to his isolation. One of Satan’s most effective tools is that of isolation. He wants to remove you from relationships because God designed you for relationships. In fact, the first “not good” in the Bible is where God said that it is not good for the man to be alone (Gen 2:18). It’s time for a spiritual checkup. What are you currently doing for refreshment? What adjustments do you need to make in order to get more rest? Are you having a consistent intake of God’s Word? Do you have a life-giving friend? Ask God to help you in these four specific areas to help you grow through depression. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Rest

The Value of Rest

“Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (NIV) When Elijah reached the lowest point of his life and prayed that he might die, God provided Elijah with physical nourishment and rest. You will spend one-third of your life sleeping. For your body to operate at maximum capacity, rest is a nonnegotiable. So how’s your sleep? Do you feel rested when you awake each morning? Sleep deprivation will negatively affect your mood, your energy, and your stress level. To help ease your mind at night, have a notepad and pen close to your bed so you can jot down the items that are bothering you. No need to count sheep, just talk to the Shepherd! Pray through whatever you are worrying about and anything that God brings to your mind. When your mind is at peace, your rest will be sweet. Your pillow, mattress, sheets, and comforter do impact how well you sleep. If your room is too bright, you may want to think of ways to make your room darker. Another tip is to locate your alarm clock away from your face and place it across the room. If total silence helps you sleep better, then eliminate noise. If soft music helps you relax and fall asleep, then turn on the music. God wants you to take care of your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, do whatever it takes to ensure a good night’s rest. When you are well rested, you will feel the difference and you will have more energy to live for God’s glory. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Suicide

Rock Bottom

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” 1 Kings 19:3-4 (NIV) Have you ever reached a point in your life where you had just had enough? In our fast-paced culture, it is easy to reach the breaking point. Frustration, fear, fatigue, and financial pressure along with other stress in life can lead you to the place of depression. When you are depressed, your resistance to the stress of life weakens and your ability to bounce back may be inhibited. What did God do to bring relief to the depression Elijah was experiencing? “Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (NIV) “The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” 1 Kings 19:7-8 (NIV) Your body requires refreshment. God has designed your body to operate effectively and efficiently with the proper consumption of healthy food. Food is fuel for your body. Why kind of fuel are you putting into your body? Elijah ate the food God provided for his refreshment. You could call it Angel food cake. Sometimes you may feel depressed simply because of a nutritional deficit. Depression can also be the result of the unhealthy food we choose to eat. Start experiencing God’s refreshment by eating properly and exercising consistently. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Fear Perspective

Loss of Perspective

“Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, ‘May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.’” 1 Kings 19:1-2 (NIV) Loss of perspective leads to confusion. Elijah confronted idolatry and the forces of evil with courage and boldness. He aggressively opposed the prophets of Baal and Asherah. Elijah was able to raise his hands in victory after the fire of God fell on Mt. Carmel to consume the sacrifice. The public victory had been won. Privately, Elijah shifted from faith in God to fear of the wicked woman, Jezebel. Elijah confronted the prophets with utter courage and now is running for his life as a coward because of a threat from Jezebel. Elijah displayed confusion as a result of losing his perspective. He falls into deep depression. What are some causes of depression? Frustration can lead to depression. Frustration over the circumstances you find yourself in can lead to depression. Sometimes frustration related to a strained relationship can cause depression. Fear can certainly bring you down into the pit of despair. When you stop viewing life through the eyes of faith and start viewing life through the eyes of fear, depression seeps in. Fatigue has a way of opening the door to depression. When you are exhausted, you can quickly lose perspective. Then, of course, there is the bandit of financial pressure. That kind of perpetual pressure can lead you down the alley of depression. Do you currently have God’s perspective on your life and on your circumstances? Have you experienced any level of depression in recent days? There’s hope! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah Zeal

Rhythm of Life

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’”1 Kings 19:3-4 (NIV) What kind of life am I living? As you assess your current reality, you will find that life has a rhythm. You will experience a season of highs and a season of lows and a season of in-betweens. Life will be marked by mountain top experiences, valley experiences, and uneventful plateaus. Life has a certain rhythm that requires our faith to be anchored to the Rock, Jesus Christ. Elijah had a mountain top experience on Mount Carmel and the power of God fell in a mighty demonstration. This would be considered a major spiritual marker in Elijah’s life as well as  a major spiritual victory over the prophets of Baal and the prophets of Asherah. Yet, Elijah descends into major depression following this mountaintop experience to the point of wanting God to take his life. Now that’s pretty low! God came to Elijah’s rescue and provided him with rest, refreshment, revelation, and relationship. That’s the rhythm of life. Our life today is similar in that we will experience major spiritual victories as well as some personal defeats that knock the wind out of us. The question becomes: What kind of life am I living? In the midst of the realities of life on a broken planet in a fallen world, am I living the life God has for me? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Depression Elijah God's Activity One Month To Live

Living The Dash (4)

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” 1 Kings 19:3-4 (NIV) What kind of life am I living? As you assess your current reality, you will find that life has a rhythm. You will experience a season of highs and a season of lows and a season of in-betweens. Life will be marked by mountain top experiences, valley experiences, and uneventful plateaus. Life has a certain rhythm that requires our faith to be anchored to the Rock, Jesus Christ. Elijah had a mountain top experience on Mount Carmel and the power of God fell in a mighty demonstration. This would be considered a major spiritual marker in Elijah’s life as well as a major spiritual victory over the prophets of Baal and the prophets of Asherah. Yet, Elijah descends into major depression following this mountaintop experience to the point of wanting God to take his life. Now that’s pretty low! God came to Elijah’s rescue and provided him with rest, refreshment, revelation, and relationship. That’s the rhythm of life. Our life today is similar in that we will experience major spiritual victories as well as some personal defeats that knock the wind out of us. The question becomes: What kind of life am I living? In the midst of the realities of life on a broken planet in a fallen world, am I living the life God has for me? Am I joining God in His activity? If you had one month to live, what would be different about your response to the rhythms of life? How would you respond to adversity? How would you respond to victory? Would you choose to draw near to God or would you choose to drift in your love relationship with Him? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Depression Provision Relationship Revelation

Growing Through Depression (5)

“The LORD said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV) God’s revelation and relationships are antidotes to depression. God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word. As you read the Bible, you discover God’s purpose and plan for your life. You come to know the heart of God for world redemption and you gain insight into God’s nature and character. The ultimate revelation of God is His Son, Jesus. Jesus is God incarnate. Jesus became flesh, lived a sinless life, and died to purchase our salvation. God’s Word is nourishment for your soul. God has provided the way for us to walk in relationship with Himself and to walk in relationship with other believers. God revealed Himself to Elijah as a gentle whisper. God wanted to teach Elijah to be sensitive to His abiding Presence. Elijah had chosen to leave his servant. As a result, his depression escalated in proportion to his isolation. One of Satan’s most effective tools is that of isolation. He wants to remove you from relationships because God designed you for relationships. In fact, the first “not good” in the Bible is where God said that it was not good for man to be alone. It’s time for a spiritual checkup. What are you currently doing for refreshment? What adjustments do you need to make in order to get more rest? Are you having a consistent intake of God’s Word? If you read four chapters each day, you will read through the entire Bible in one year. Do you have a life-giving friend? Ask God to help you in these four specific areas to help you grow through depression. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Depression Provision Rest Restoration

Growing Through Depression (4)

When Elijah reached the lowest point of his life and prayed that he might die, God provided Elijah with physical nourishment and rest. Read these two verses and take special note of the rest God provided. “Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (NIV) You will spend one-third of your life sleeping. For your body to operate at maximum capacity, rest is a nonnegotiable. So how’s your sleep? Do you feel rested when you awake each morning? Sleep deprivation will negatively affect your mood, your energy, and your stress level. To help ease your mind at night, have a notepad and pen close to your bed so you can jot down the items that are bothering you. Instead of counting sheep, talk to the Shepherd. Pray through whatever you are worrying about and anything that God brings to your mind. When your mind is at peace, your rest will be sweet. Your pillow, mattress, sheets, and comforter do impact how well you sleep. If your room is too bright, you may want to think of ways to make your room darker. Another tip is to locate your alarm clock away from your face and place it across the room. If total silence helps you sleep better, then eliminate noise. If soft music helps you relax and fall asleep, then turn on the music. God wants you to take care of your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, do whatever it takes to ensure a good night’s rest. When you are well rested, you will feel the difference and you will have more energy to live for God’s glory. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Depression Food Nourishment Provision

Growing Through Depression (3)

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” 1 Kings 19:3-4 (NIV) Have you ever reached a point in your life where you had just had enough? In our fast paced culture, it is easy to reach the breaking point. Frustration, fear, fatigue, and financial pressure along with other stress in life can lead you to the place of depression. When you are depressed, your resistance to the stress of life weakens and your ability to bounce back may be inhibited. What did God do to bring relief to the depression Elijah was experiencing? “Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.” 1 Kings 19:5-6 (NIV) “The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” 1 Kings 19:7-8 (NIV) Your body requires refreshment. God has designed your body to operate effectively and efficiently with the proper consumption of healthy food. Food is fuel for your body. Why kind of fuel are you putting into your body? Elijah ate the food God provided for his refreshment. You could call it Angel food cake. Sometimes you may feel depressed simply because of a nutritional deficit. Depression can also be the result of the unhealthy food we choose to eat. Start experiencing God’s refreshment by eating properly and exercising consistently. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Depression Discouragement Fatigue Fear Financial Pressure Frustration

Growing Through Depression (2)

“Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, ‘May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.’” 1 Kings 19:1-2 (NIV) Loss of perspective leads to confusion. Elijah confronted idolatry and the forces of evil with courage and boldness. He aggressively opposed the prophets of Baal and Asherah. Elijah was able to raise his hands in victory after the fire of God fell on Mt. Carmel to consume the sacrifice. The public victory had been won. Privately, Elijah shifted from faith in God to fear of the wicked woman, Jezebel. Elijah confronted the prophets with utter courage and now is running for his life as a coward because of a threat from Jezebel. Elijah displayed confusion as a result of losing his perspective. He falls into deep depression. What are some causes of depression? Frustration can lead to depression. Frustration over the circumstances you find yourself in can lead to depression. Sometimes frustration related to a strained relationship can cause depression. Fear can certainly bring you down into the pit of despair. When you stop viewing life through the eyes of faith and start viewing life through the eyes of fear, depression seeps in. Fatigue has a way of opening the door to depression. When you are exhausted, you can quickly lose perspective. Then, of course, there is the bandit of financial pressure. That kind of perpetual pressure can lead you down the alley of depression. Do you currently have God’s perspective on your life and on your circumstances? Have you experienced any level of depression in recent days? There’s hope! There’s help on the way… Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Depression Desperation Sin Susceptible Victory

Growing Through Depression (1)

“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: ‘O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.’” 1 Kings 18:36-37 (NIV) When you hear the name Elijah, your first inclination is to think of the major victory he experienced on Mt. Carmel. Elijah took on the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who ate at Jezebel’s table. Elijah is kind of like the “Rocky Balboa” of the Old Testament. He was not about to back down from the featured match between good and evil. “Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.” 1 Kings 18:38 (NIV) “When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The LORD–he is God! The LORD–he is God!’” 1 Kings 18:39 (NIV) What a major demonstration of God’s power! What a miraculous response to Elijah’s prayer! God allowed Elijah to see and experience God’s favor. Elijah truly had a mountain top experience on Mt. Carmel. How could Elijah ever doubt God or deny God’s power after such a magnificent encounter? You are most susceptible to sin after a major victory. More to come… Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor