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Post by hezsweetiknow on Jun 26, 2006 10:10:38 GMT -5
One of our church elders is suffering from depression. This elder once testified how they used to suffer every so often with bouts of depression. They've missed church for the past month and half and the situation is no better. It's been one excuse after the other.
We pray for this elder, we pray for their spouse who still comes faithfully.
How do you minister to the those battling depression? Especially leadership?
We've prayed. What do we do next? We have a member who is a trained counselor but if the elder won't even come to church how do we get them to even consider counseling?
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Post by And Such Were Some Of You on Jun 29, 2006 13:27:41 GMT -5
praying - don't quite know how to respond yet
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Post by stillfocused on Jul 7, 2006 20:21:01 GMT -5
Since he will not come to church; has anyone been to the home to visit him ? Just maybe he needs someone to listen to him and not offer any counsel at this time.
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Post by nina on Jul 8, 2006 6:28:53 GMT -5
"We pray for this elder, we pray for their spouse who still comes faithfully. "
Also, it is important to remember that depression is a condition which will eventually affect the other members of a family. Sometimes it happens in subtle ways, sometimes not so subtle, depending on the age of the relative in question. Sometimes it manifests in "delayed reactions".
So, even if it seems that you cannot directly reach the person suffering from depression right now, it is as important, imho, to surround the other relatives with prayers, and to let them know that they are not going it alone. Some people do bulk at the term "counseling" as Stillfocused mentioned so, it's a delicate balance to reach.
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Post by stillfocused on Jul 8, 2006 16:17:04 GMT -5
Nina..everything you have said is true. And depressions does definitely affect those in the household. Has anyone asked what has sent this man into such a deep state of depression ? Sometimes as believers we are quick to give someone a passage of scripture and tell them just praise the Lord as that's not what they need at that moment. I was listening to a cd earlier this week and the Pastor was talking about taking the city; yet, one thing he mentioned was so very true. He mentioned that we can pray..but, sometimes it is religious; because there has to be some weeping going on. But, the statement really made me think..because we want to be heard by the Father. Basically, what it he was saying is that there has to be some intercession going on..and imo I believe that intercession..not 5 - 10 minutes prayers will break that this yoke of bondage from this brother.
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Post by nina on Jul 9, 2006 5:45:11 GMT -5
Definitely, prayer is a mighty weapon.
Depression is difficult to deal with, especially for a believer. In this case, it seems that the person had been open about saying that they had fought depression previously. HezSweet mentioned "It's been one excuse after the other". I think that's because there is a stigma, still, attached to depression when it comes to a believer, especially in a position of leadership. The person suffering, because of that, might either go into a period of denial, and try to keep a normal life or appearance, whether with the relatives or the outside world, including the church environment. Somehow, the person may feel that they "are not supposed to" be subject to this kind of problem, and yet, it's very real...
I think that there is definitely also a problem of fear, in that sense, of being judged, and certainly not wanting to be seen in a time of such vulnerability, because of what some may consider weakness. So, it makes sense that they would choose to separate themselves.
A person who suffers from depression is very aware of it, painfully so. They are also aware of the fact that they can't help themselves, can't really reach out to others, and others very often don't know how to reach them. In spite of that, the person in the beginning might not want to be treated, counseled, etc... Only the power of the Holy Spirit can break that wall and bring light back in the dark places of this person's soul. They need to know that they are loved, appreciated. Every step in the right direction counts.
They do labour through it, and there has to be labour in prayer also, until their restoration is complete. The joy of the Lord is our strength. I sincerely believe that not being aware of it all the time may open the door to much pain in our lives.
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Post by stillfocused on Jul 13, 2006 20:41:30 GMT -5
I love to pray..yet, I am talking intercession..where someone has actually stood before the Lord and refusing to move; until they got a answer or release from God.
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Post by nina on Jul 14, 2006 3:08:05 GMT -5
I agree... There was a thread at some point about intercession. To me, real intercession is a very sacrificial type of prayer, a tremendous commitment on the part of the intercessor. Do we still know how to do that?
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Post by zelica on Feb 18, 2008 0:35:28 GMT -5
Depression is such a stronghold and its debilitating at times...and antidepressants dont work they just make you feel crazy and make feel like you about to loose your mind... Have any of you guys taken antidepressants before? if so how did they make you feel??? The medication that I am on is not helping me at all!!!
Holla Back
Jessica
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Post by zelica on Feb 18, 2008 1:37:32 GMT -5
I really wish I could expain the way I feel......
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Post by giantsdodie on Feb 18, 2008 2:31:45 GMT -5
Depression is a manifestation of the spirit of heavines.. take authority over it in the name of Jesus and begin to praise God.. the scripture says that he dwells in our praise.. and in His presence is the fullness of Joy...
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Post by zelica on Feb 18, 2008 2:49:43 GMT -5
Thanks Giant that is true, God inhabits the Praises of His people.....There are times though you cant get a Praise out and you dont know what to pray or you just cant pray....
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Post by giantsdodie on Feb 18, 2008 3:07:58 GMT -5
Thanks Giant that is true, God inhabits the Praises of His people.....There are times though you cant get a Praise out and you dont know what to pray or you just cant pray.... Do you have the ability to pray in the spirit..aka speak in tongues,,, thats one of the reasons we have the gift given too us. |
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Post by zelica on Feb 18, 2008 3:12:14 GMT -5
Thanks Giant that is true, God inhabits the Praises of His people.....There are times though you cant get a Praise out and you dont know what to pray or you just cant pray.... Do you have the ability to pray in the spirit..aka speak in tongues,,, thats one of the reasons we have the gift given too us. That is true cause the Spirit makes intercession for us that is true....Yes I have spoke in tongues but its been a little while sense I have. does it matter how often you speak in tongues...Also when it comes to speak in tongues sometimes I wonder if its just me or is it the Spirit really speaking through me cause I dont want to be in the flesh and I dont want to be fake... I get reluctent sometimes.... |
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Post by giantsdodie on Feb 18, 2008 10:15:54 GMT -5
Do you have the ability to pray in the spirit..aka speak in tongues,,, thats one of the reasons we have the gift given too us. That is true cause the Spirit makes intercession for us that is true....Yes I have spoke in tongues but its been a little while sense I have. does it matter how often you speak in tongues...Also when it comes to speak in tongues sometimes I wonder if its just me or is it the Spirit really speaking through me cause I dont want to be in the flesh and I dont want to be fake... I get reluctent sometimes.... Open your mouth and use the gift that God has given you.. |
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