Out of the Cave
Week 1
“How Did I End Up Here?”

Why Isn’t My Faith Strong Enough to Handle This?

Depression is the number one mental Illness. It affects 400 million people. 29% of adults will be diagnosed with depression in their lifetime (1 in 3). 17% of adults are currently being treated for depression (1 in 5). In 2023 the highest number of suicides in 80 years were recorded.

Depression is defined as “A persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest characterized by anhedonia, which negatively affects the way you think, feel, and act, which stops you from doing normal activities.”

First, James 5:17 tells us that “Elijah was Human as we are.”

The Second Truth is that despite his battle, Elijah was still called and God’s purpose for him remained.

The Third Truth is that depression and discouragement often come on the heels of a spiritual or emotional high or victory.

The Fourth Truth is that depression is magnified when we allow LIES to take over our mind and go unchecked.

We are responsible for rejecting the lies of the enemy.

There is no shame or judgment in seeking the help of a counselor or doctor.

"Depression is not a malfunction of the mind, it’s a SIGNAL.”

Depression points to a problem but it is NOT THE problem.

The problem could be Biological, Situational, or Spiritual, or a Combination of things.

What symptoms was Elijah experiencing?

Continual Exhaustion paves the way for emotional struggles like depression and discouragement.

We not only get exhausted because of our physical pace, we get exhausted when our mind won’t stop running.

SOLITUDE to be with Jesus is good, but ISOLATION IS NEVER GOOD!

There is NO SILVER BULLET for conquering depression and other emotional Issues.

How does Jesus give us rest? By YOKING UP with us!

He doesn’t always remove things in our life, He gives us the strength and power to overcome them.

Notice how God treats Elijah this is important. He doesn’t rebuke Him and tell Him not to feel that way. He comforts and encourages him and tells him he’s not alone, he’s there with him.

Elijah was content to sit there and die but God wouldn’t let Him! God compassionately fed Him and ministered to Him.

These messages are important because YOU need to understand this issue and how to help others! People around you need your HELP.

Be sensitive and encouraging. Be willing to walk alongside of people when the journey is messy.

Something powerful happens when we don’t sweep issues under the rug but when we get them in the open. It’s okay to not be okay.

Depression or emotional Illness IS NOT YOUR IDENTITY!

It’s not who you are, it’s just what you’re going THROUGH right now.