Depression

• Depression can follow exhausting times (Judges 15: 18)-Now Samson was very thirsty, and he cried out to the Lord, "You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant.  Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagan people?"  This occurred during Samson's vengeance on the Philistines.  This was an exhausting experience for Samson when his father-in-law had given his wife over to his best man in error.  He became so angry at that situation that he killed many of them.  The Philistines had burned and killed his father-in-law and the girl when they found out why Samson had burnt their fields in revenge.  Ignorance, or error  can result in tragedy, and have devastating consequences such as in this case.  People should be very careful when making decisions concerning marriage. Consultation with all parties involved is of utmost importance.
• God can encourage hurting people (2 Samuel 22: 29-31)-O LORD, you are my light; yes, LORD, you light up my darkness.  In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.  "As for God, His way is perfect.  All the LORD'S promises prove true.  He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.  This was David's song of praise.  David sang this song to the LORD after the LORD had rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul.  
• Depression can follow success (1 Kings 19: 3-4)-Elijah was afraid and fled for his life.  He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there.  Then he went alone into the desert, traveling all day.  He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die.  "I have had enough, LORD," he said.  "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors."  This was in a time when Elijah fled to Sinai.  Elijah had succeeded in slaughtering the prophets of Baal.  Jezebel had sent a message to Elijah that the gods also kill her if by that time the next day she had failed to take his life like those he had killed.  But, since Elijah had been sent to destroy those people by God, God protected him and was with him.  Jezebel's plan to kill him would not succeed.  Instead, she was killed.
• God helps those who feel crushed (Psalm 34: 18)-The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.  He heals the heart of the wounded.  He consoles His children during difficult times.  This is a psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away.
• Abraham had hope when there was no reason to hope (Romans 4: 18-22)-When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed Him.  God had also said, "Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars," even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible!  And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though he knew that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred and Sarah, his wife, had never been able to have children.  Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise.  In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.  He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised.  This was the faith of Abraham.  

This study describes the hope that God offers to man during the most difficult situations and challenges life can surprise us with.  Just when we begin to think there is no hope, He shows us that there is hope.  He is our hope, and our shield.  He blesses us in greater ways than we originally hoped for, or fathomed.  He shows us that His way is better than our way.  He teaches us not to lose hope, and keeps His promises of better days ahead to His children.  I hope this brief study helps you in your journey.  Until next study, Merry Christmas, God bless you, and keep the faith!! Joy to the world!