DEPRESSION - PRACTICAL ANSWERS FROM the BIBLESample

Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT): God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Psalm 40:1-3 (NLT): I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

1 Kings 19:5-8 (NLT): Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around, and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT): All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Philippians 4:8 (NLT): And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT): Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Practical solutions to help you get out

You will be fine!

You are tired. Do not be afraid. We take it one day at a time.

The first thing God does with Elijah is arrange rest for him. Your brain needs sleep to heal. Give yourself time for restful sleep over several nights or even weeks.

Then God gives Elijah fortifying food. Put color and balance on your plate! It may seem trivial given what you are going through, but test it out: take the time to prepare dishes you like, which will do your body good. It is one of the essential steps to getting back on track.

God encourages Elijah to have times of connection with Him that are filled with gentleness. Go for a walk in nature to simply listen to God, with no agenda or goal to accomplish. Do these soothing times of listening and reconnecting as often as possible.

Surround yourself with a small group of friends or family who will take care of you and allow you to experience fun and rejuvenating times without expecting more of you than you can give at the moment.

Of course, do not hesitate to consult your doctor: your body may need a one-time boost from medication. This is not a lack of faith but a sign of wisdom. Thank you, Lord, for the medicine you have given us.

Little by little, you will feel your strength and joy returning. One day at a time.