Christians who suffer from depression and anxiety often hesitate to take medication. Is that right?
Talking Points:
- We shouldn’t look at every hard emotion as something to be avoided. God may be trying to teach us something about him, or about ourselves, in those times. 1 Timothy 4:4-5
- Don’t meet God given needs with God forbidden ways. The Bible never promises us to have a pain free life. So, the goal shouldn’t be to avoid or numb the pain at all costs. John 16:33, James 1:2-4.
- Medication can help us to think clearly enough to start doing the work of figuring out why we feel depressed or anxious and how we need to surrender all of it to God. Psalm 139:23-24
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe your current emotional state. What is causing you to feel depressed or anxious? How have you tried to manage those emotions up to now?
- Read 1 Timothy 4:4-5. How do you think this passage applies to medical interventions?
- Read James 1:2-4 and John 16:33. What do these passages say about pain and suffering? Do you think it relates to depression and anxiety? Why or why not?
- “Don’t treat a spiritual problem with a physical solution.” What does Pastor Todd mean by this? Can you give an example?
- Read Matthew 11:28-30. What is Jesus’ offer to us? How does a relationship with Jesus impact things like depression and anxiety?
- In addition to medication, what are some other productive things you can do to manage your depression/anxiety?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
