Mark 15:33-34 Mark 15: 33-34 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) Four basic causes of depression: Biological 
There are numerous causes: chronic pain, hormonal change, imbalance in your brain chemicals just to name a few. Relational This can include grief, loss, abuse, hurt, divorce, rejection, family crisis Circumstantial You’d be surprised how lack of sleep, activity and even sunlight can affect you. Not to mention losing your job, trauma, or even something that started good like retirement. Spiritual The devil wants to steal, kill and destroy. He wants you to take your life and fill you with hopelessness and shame. If this is a generational curse on you and your family, God wants to break the cycle beginning with you! Recommended Book: Blue Genes by Paul Meier. Dr Meier takes a holistic approach to depression and pain that includes: medication to correct brain chemical imbalances, diet, exercise, relationship strategies, and antidepressants/medications are usually helpful, but not always a fix-all. Medication is necessary especially if you feel out of control. By definition: depression is a persistent sadness that interferes with your daily life and relationships. Be aware of the symptoms of depression: Classic symptoms: no energy/motivation, pervasive sadness, isolation, hopelessness Sometimes the symptoms of depression get redirected to things like: mood swings, forgetfulness, headaches nausea or eating issues. Anger is a common redirection especially with men. Things to consider when you’re helping someone with depression: Be empathetic. Try to enter into their pain with them. Take time to listen to them and and let them process. Be patient - if you move too fast to try to fix things, they may resist even more Be reassuring - remind them of your commitment to them. Remind them that God is with them. Encourage them to get help! Feelings define your emotional state. Feelings cannot define reality. God’s faithfulness cannot be measured by your emotions! Lessons about depression from Elijah: Come back to God: “1 Kings 18:20 – repair the altar of the Lord” Repent of negative thinking, addictive behavior, and speaking lies over yourself. Take care of yourself in practical ways: sleep, diet and exercise have a profound impact on how you process pain and depression. Name what you’re going through and stop blaming God. Listen intently for God. Expect God to reveal Himself to you. Expect to hear from God. God whispers to you because He is close to you. Jesus took your depression and pain upon Himself Mark 15:34 (Mat 27:46 & Ps 22): ”Eloi, Eoli lama sabachthani. My God my God why have you forsaken me?