Keeping It Young

Dave and Bethlie continue their series in identifying biblical steps for climbing out of the darkness that depression can bring. From confessing sin and getting right with God, to listing your responsibilities, avoiding pity parties, and anchoring yourself in the truth of Scripture, we know God's Word is powerful enough to help you overcome. Just as David continually brought himself back to the truth of who God is in the midst of his own pain, so can you. If God is real and His Word is true — and it is — you can overcome depression!
 
You can recognize a failing solution when the depression become cyclical Discouragement is normal to live
Depression occurs when I handle discouragements and failures in a wrong way
Stay focused on duties If discouragement separates us from our duties, it will always lead to depression
You MUST continue to perform your duties and meet your obligations

Around and around in depression
Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:8
Recognize the truth about what is happening
Understand the difference in discouragement and depression

Steps to take:
Confess sin
List responsibilities Pity parties
Gripe sessions
complaining
Your family
Your home
Your job
Avoid all the negatives

Get to work doing them

Some truths about depression:
Some things are necessary in overcoming depression: You have to know God personally and intimately
You have to desire to please God by doing what He says
You have to obey God regardless of how you feel

Some are more susceptible to depression It is especially a problem for those who are responsible to set and keep their own schedule
It is especially a problem for those who don't have a schedule
Those who have a schedule (from a boss or workplace) have less of an issue with depression Self-control is strengthened by their schedule
Self-discipline is set for them already


Some things naturally lead towards depression A setback Sickness
Disappointment
Failure
Guilt

A tendency to follow feelings rather than to pursue obligations 
A willingness to participate in pit-parties or to continually focus on self

Nothing but obedience to God and His Word can overcome depression Ignoring it won't work
Anti-depressants won't work
Substance abuse won't work

Is your marriage struggling? In Part 2 of this series Overcoming A Bad Marriage, Dave and Bethlie share biblical steps for overcoming a bad marriage and restoring what God intended for your relationship.
 
Learn to love again Define it Love and feelings are not the same thing
Love is about pleasing God
Love is being willing to give another whatever it is that they need because you know it is what God commands you to do.

Biblicize it Ephesians 5:25 Husbands love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Older women teach the younger women to love their husbands
Love your neighbor  Your spouse is your closest neighbor so you have to love them

Matthew 5:44. Love your enemy The lowest level of love



Determine to please God Get very close to Him James 4:8
The closer you are to God the healthier you will be
The closer you are to God the stronger you will be

Honor God in the decisions you make and your marriage will be amazing

Take steps to love Learn to give.  John 3:16
Gal 2:20
Proverbs 25:21

Learn to forgive Forgiveness promises not to use another's wrongdoings against them in the future
Forgiveness promises not to talk to other people about another's wrongdoings
Forgiveness promises not to dwell on the other's wrongdoings

Learn to meet each other's needs

Join Dave and Bethlie as they continue this overcoming series with this first in a two part series about Ovecoming A Bad Marriage.
Part 1
What is a bad marriage? Typically marriages don't start badly We meet
We talk
We spend time together
We "fall in love"
We propose
We make plans
We get married.  

Marriage can become bad It happens in a process of time
We don't love each other anymore
We aren't compatible
We are miserable 
We allow hurt feelings to become BIG problems
We allow little things to become bigger things


What do you do about it? Remember your vows For better or for worse
A verbal commitment to honor God and His Word  Divorce is only permitted in a few select cases
Divorce is rarely the best option
Divorce opens the door to more divorce


Repent at the thought of ending it

Happy Valentine's week!
Join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss how love overcomes!