Finding Peace in the Storm / Overcoming Depression and Anxiety - Amy Sapp
I. Understanding Depression and Anxiety
1. Acknowledging the Reality:
Depression and anxiety are not signs of failure or lack of faith; they are a common human reaction.
Even great people of faith in the Bible struggled.
Elijah: After his victory at Mount Carmel, Elijah fled into the wilderness, feeling hopeless and asking God to take his life
(1 Kings 19:4).
David: In the Psalms, he often poured out his heart, feeling overwhelmed and alone. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance” (Psalm 42:5).
2. A Gentle Reminder:
These feelings are not sinful but opportunities to lean into God’s grace and power.
II. God’s Promises in the Midst of Struggles
1. God Is Close to the Brokenhearted:
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Emphasize God’s presence in moments of deep pain. He does not abandon us.
2. God Offers Peace:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Offset the crazy peace of the world with the deep, lasting peace of Christ.
3. God’s Strength in Our Weakness:
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Rely on God’s strength, especially when they feel weak or overwhelmed.
III. Practical Steps to Overcome Depression and Anxiety
1. Pray Honestly and Persistently:
Share how prayer is a lifeline to God.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Bring those fears and struggles to God.
2. Meditate on God’s Word:
Psalm 119:28: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.”
Thinking on God's Word can bring comfort and renewal.
3. Take Thoughts Captive:
2 Corinthians 10:5: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
How to challenge negative, anxious thoughts with the truth of God’s Word.
4.Seek Fellowship and Support:
Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Lean on one another and share burdens.
5. Practice Thanksgiving:
1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Gratitude will shift focus from problems to God’s blessings.
IV. Encouragement to Trust God
1. God’s Plans Are Good:
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
God is sovereign and His plans are for our good.
2. God WILL Restore Joy:
Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Seasons of darkness do not last forever.
3. A Call to Surrender:
Matthew 11:28-30: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Let’s lay our burdens at Jesus’ feet and trust HIM fully.
Ladies, if you are walking through depression or anxiety today, remember this: You are not alone. God sees you, He loves you, and He is with you. His peace is available to you.
It is common for the feelings of Anxiety or Depression to creep in during the winter months, after the holiday's have past!
Here are some practical steps that I hope will be a help...
- Unhappy? Write a THANKFUL list!
- Disconnected? Volunteer for an extra ministry to help at, at church!
- Low Energy? Do a bit of light weight exercises.
- Overthinking? Write your thoughts in a journal. It will get your blood flowing!
- Stressed? Spend some time outside, yes even if it is cold, bundle up, it will be ok! The temperature outside does not cause sickness!
- Anxious? Take 10 deep breaths! God gave us BREATH! It will help reset your breathing pattern!
- Procrastinating? Put your phone DOWN! Trust me! It will be ok!
- Insecure? Take some time to write down some of the victories the Lord has allowed you to have!
- Overwhelmed? Call someone you love! It does a heart good! It will
encourage you and them as well!
- Unmotivated? Accomplish some small tasks around your house!
- Impatient? Take 5 minutes or so and just have a one on one talk with the Lord! He is your best friend!
- Guilty? Forgive yourself! Always FORGIVE!
- Feeling hopeless? Write down some goals for this week!
Sunshine is just around the corner! Hang in there!