WHY DO I FEEL DISCOURAGED? - DIRECTION Part 3

One Family Church Video Sermons

WHY DO I FEEL DISCOURAGED? Between 2005 and 2017, the rate of 12 to 17 year-olds who experienced a major depressive episode in the past year rose by 52 percent. In young people ages 18 to 25, the percentage with depression rose by 63 percent between 2009 and 2017. Young adults affected by serious psychological distress (anxiety, depression, sense of hopelessness / worthlessness) in the past 30 days rose by 71 percent in 2017. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 CHECK YOUR SIGNAL [W]e take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 SET YOUR SIGHTS [S]et your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2 [B]rothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. . . . Philippians 4:5-9 And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:5-9 CONFESS YOUR SINS When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. . . . my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:3-7 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. . . . And you forgave the guilt of my sin. . . . Psalm 32:3-7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:3-7 REJECT YOUR SHAME Normalize it. We all struggle, in varying levels and there is a healing element present when it is "allowed" to be freely shared, supported and accepted. [S]eeking help for mental or emotional pain is not a lack of faith. It's an element of partaking in and participating in the community that God provides. The stigma [of mental health struggles] has lingered in many churches, with clients often feeling unintentionally shamed for their mental health struggles. When our thoughts are broken, damaged, or wounded, it mars almost everything within our lives. . . . [especially] our ability to comprehend just how well loved we are by our Heavenly Father. Pursuing a mentally healthy life is an intentional effort and oftentimes requires us to receive help from others. . . . avenuescounselingcenter.org stl-ccc.org LOSE YOUR SELF Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 BE STILL Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR SOURCE Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:5-7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7