Follow-Up Study Guide To:

 

I Just Don’t Care

Part 2 of 6 in the series “Out Of Control”

February 10, 2008                                              Pastor Scott Oldenburgh

 

READ JOHN 10:10

 

Ê  What do you think it means to live the full life that God intended for us?

Ê  What are some of the things that get in the way?

Ê  How can depression (clinical or circumstantial) get in the way?

Ê  In your opinion, what is the difference between clinical depression and someone that lives depressed most of the time?

Ê  Which do you think has the greater number of people?

Ê  Which do you think would be easier to deal with?

Ê  What would it take to see growth for both?

 

READ MARK 5

 

Ê  How was the experience of the demon possessed man similar to someone that might be depressed?

Ê  In what ways might they feel the same way?

Ê  In what ways might they face similar challenges?

 

READ I PETER 4:7-11 AGAIN

 

Ê  How does praying and striving for a clear mind become a focus for someone who is depressed?

 

READ ROMANS 12:1-2

 

Ê  According to this passage, where does a clear mind come from?

Ê  What should be the 1st focus of someone who is struggling with depression?

Ê  How would serving others be a benefit to someone who is depressed? 

 

READ ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12

 

Ê  What is said here about the need for surrounding ourselves with other people?

Ê  What is the benefit?

Ê  How does this go against what most depressed people tend to do?

Ê  Why is it so difficult to invite help or seek out others when you are not in the best frame of mind?

Ê  How could this actually be a positive thing to do?

 

If you are struggling with depression, first seek the counsel of those around you to determine if this is a clinical situation or something that is circumstantial.

 

Most people are not equipped to give great counsel for someone clinically depressed; thus, you need to seek out professional counseling that you can trust. Ask your Pastor or Life Group Leader about where you can find professional resources to begin getting things back in order.

 

Pray today for the large number in our society that suffers from depression everyday.

 

Seek ways to be a friend to someone close to you that you know is struggling with depression.

 

Do some research to find quality, trusted resources on depression, so that you can be ready to offer a refreshing word of hope to those who are struggling.