HOW TO DEAL WITH DEPRESSION
Job 3

I. Background
   A. Depression is sadness , gloomy feelings that affects our physical condition and those around us
   B. Job had much in common with Jonah , Elijah , and Jeremiah
   C. Job has much to be depressed about - Chapters 2 & 3
   D. Signs of Depression
      1. loss of interest                                        5 sleep disorders
      2. feeling of hopelessness                          6. anxiety
      3. feeling of guilt                                       7. slow thinking
      4. weight loss/gain                                     8. hyper activity        

II. Three Cries From Job
   A. Why Was I Born ?  - vs 1-10
      i) cursed the day he was born
      ii) when he is discouraged , he loses perspective and misspeaks (Job 6:2-3)
   B. Why Did I Survive? - vs. 11-12
      i) why did I not die at birth?
      ii) no reason for him to live just to have these tragedies come upon him
      iii) he has a wrong view of death - vs. 13-19
         - better to be dead without suffering than be alive with suffering
         - death is not annulation
         - when we are sad or bitter it does not come from God
   C. Why Am I Alive Now? vs. 20-26
      i) since I had to be born and I didn't die as a child can I die now?
      ii) it's alright to ask why but don't expect God to answer when we ask; he moves at his timing

III. Examining Depression
   A. Reality Of Depression
      i) nearly 20% of all adults are treated for depression
      ii) it is the single biggest cause of disability in the U.S.
   B. Routine Of Depression
      i) living in ups and downs constantly
      ii) Satan disappears after Chapter 2 but Job battles discouragement for 40 Chapters
      iii) Job is a winner was tied down with Depression
   C. Response To Depression
      i) He faced Depression - he talked it out with God ; did not abandon his Faith
      ii) after it was over the testing caused him to become Gold (better than he ever was )

IV . Lessons Learned
   A. We often battle depression longer than we do the original problem
   B. Face depression - don't deny it - get help/support
   C. After we pass through trials with God's help, our relationship will be changed forever
   D. God knows; God cares; God will provide support in his time frame
   E. We will be Gold!