Myths about Emotional Wounds

2000008

Subject: attitudes, depression, life

Introduction:

A. Going to devote the next four lessons to discussing emotional problems & depression.

1. Hope it won’t depress you that we are talking about depression.

2. More & more Americans are dealing w/depression/emotional problems.

a) comes at a time when technological advances are making life easy w/many of the chores of the past a distant memory.

b) Comes at a time when majority of Americans are enjoying the highest prosperity in our history.

c) Would seem that w/all wonderful things around us – designed to make life better – we would all be happier.

3. Commercials on TV – If you don’t get help at charter, get help somewhere.

a) pharmaceutical companies having heyday w/sale of drugs that to cure emotional imbalance.

b) Seems that Drs., have a pill for everything – relate personal story.

B. Today I want to lay Biblical groundwork for discussing emotional problems.

1. wish to provide Biblical direction for those suffering from emotional distress.

2. don’t intend this lesson to be filled w/psycho-babble.

3. want to help those who are emotionally strong to know what we can do to help those who are weak.

4. want to suggest Biblical preventatives so that we can avoid painful moods.

C. It has been said that during the battle of Waterloo that British were infuriated b/c French were killing all the British wounded.

1. even in mortal & desperate combat, civilized enemies don’t kill the other side’s wounded.

2. Uncivilized to kill enemy wounded. But…unthinkable to kill one’s own wounded – yet many times in the Lord’s army this is exactly what happens.

3. Emotionally wounded are mistaken for turncoat rebels - & through harsh & uncaring treatment they are shot.

D. What should be the Biblical groundwork for discussing emotional problems?

I. Preliminary Matters.

A. Our emotions are only one of several aspects to our existence:

1. Lk. 10:27 – we are fourfold beings.

a) mind – refers to intellect.

b) Strength – the physical part of our body.

c) Soul – the spiritual dimension

d) Heart – the emotional sphere.

2. These 4 areas are distinct – but interrelated.

a) speak of emotional problems: not referring to spiritual – though may lead to spiritual problems – as well as physical.

b) Must recognize that our emotional makeup is a component of our own personality – and can be wounded – just as our intellect, physical body, and spiritual person.

3. One of the most common type of emotional wounds is depression.

B. Bible makes a clear distinction between how we should deal w/the emotionally wounded and the spiritually rebellious.

1. 1 Thess. 5:14 – mentions 3 categories:

a) unruly – to be admonished, warned. Seek to turn them from the error of their way.

b) Fainthearted

1) from oligopsychos – means “fainthearted, discouraged”

2) they to be encouraged (paramytheomai) defined as: “encourage, cheer up, esp in connection w/death or other tragic events, to console, or comfort.

c) weak

1) from asthenes – defined as: “those who are powerless.”

2) They have no strength – and should be upheld (helped).

2. Again, those who persistent in spiritual rebellion – we must be unwilling to compromise. We must be direct, we must be stern.

3. but….the emotionally weak, the powerless – we must be compassionate/caring!

4. Ignore this distinction? Deny both common sense and God’s instruction through the HS.

C. Myths exist about the causes/nature of emotional illness.

1. critically important that we shatter these myths so we can help others & ourselves deal w/emotional wounds.

II. Common Myths About Emotional Problems.

A. Everyone gets depressed.

1. Underlying attitude: “I’ve been depressed, and I snapped out of it w/no trouble. Everyone else should to.”

2. truth of matter: Vast majority NEVER experience genuine depression.

a) truly depressed people feel helpless; worthless.

b) Cry w/o reason; constantly think of death/suicide; lose appetite; can’t sleep at night & want to all day.

3. Statistically: only 25% of Americans will ever suffer true depression.

a) to believe everyone gets depressed & should just snap out of it is to assume:

b) everyone has same emotional strength

4. Not true. We understand that everyone has different degrees of strength in physical realm, intellect, and spiritual ability.

a) we’re also different emotionally. (you may cry at end of chick flick, I may not.)

B. It=sinful behavior for a Christian to be depressed.

1. World: strong bias against depression. Said to lack: personal strength/toughness.

2. Brethren: spiritual character of depressed person often attacked: must not study, pray, trust in God enough. Where is their faith?

a) some emotional wounds may be caused by unconfessed sin

b) David: Psa. 38:2-8

c) People’s depression b/c of adultery, lifestyle they live.

d) This, however, only one cause of depression. (Statistics – only 20%)

3. simple truth: many godly Bible characters suffered depression.

a) David – Psa. 6:1-7

b) Job – Job 3:1; 20-26 – remember 1:8

c) Jesus – Mk. 14:33-34

4. Don’t Scriptures teach us not to be anxious?

a) Paul – Phil. 4:6-7

b) Jesus Mt. 6:31

c) Scriptures teach not to be anxious w/trusting God in relation to material provisions – God will provide.

5. to accuse the sincere Christian of lack of faith b/c of depression is the most cruel thing a person can do.

C. People w/depression should be able to snap out of it.

1. This idea presumes that the depression was completely their choice & that they woke up & said, “I think I will bury myself in depression.”

2. Causes of emotional wounds can be inherited.

a) some inherit a biology that makes them susceptible to emotional problems.

b) Involves a temperament – which we inherit. Some temperaments are subject to emotional problems. (sentimental, sensitive)

3. Causes of emotional wounds can be from life’s experiences.

a) way raised. Some raised to suppress feelings/emotions – leading to depression.

b) External stress – loss of a loved one tragically or too early.

4. Causes of emotional problems can be from life’s choices.

a) Prov. 23:7

b) Often arises b/c one has failed to deal properly w/anger.

1) anger at self b/c of guilt, failure

2) anger at others so one holds grudges

3) anger at God b/c of tragedies.

5. it should be stressed that in all emotional illnesses – all 3 factors play a role – but to a different degree.

D. A Christian should never have to take medicine because of emotional problems.

1. Some emotional problems are primarily causes by medical factors.

a) emotional wounds may have physical consequences that may need chemical treatment.

b) There is a difference between this & wishing to ignore the problem by doping oneself up in order to forget the problem. (run away from problem)

2. If your emotional problems are life threatening or life paralyzing (where you can’t function) – you need to seek medical help.

3. Sometimes medical procedures can help alter distorted thought patterns – and stabilize a person.

Conclusion:

A. To those who are beleaguered with emotional pain: Help can be on the way – w/wise applications of Biblical principles!

1. Heb. 4:14-16

B. Those who emotionally strong: Heed Gal. 6:2

C. In all things – strive to serve Christ to the best of your ability.

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Myths about Emotional Wounds 2000008 Subject: attitudes, depression, life Introduction: A. Going to devote the next four lessons to discussing emotional problems & depression. 1. Hope it won’t depress you that we are talking about depression. 2. More & more Americans are dealing w/depression/emotional problems. a) comes at a time when technological advances are making life easy w/many of the chores of the past a distant memory. b) Comes at a time when majority of Americans are enjoying the highest prosperity in our history. c) Would seem that w/all wonderful things around us – designed to make life better – we would all be happier. 3. Commercials on TV – If you don’t get help at charter, get help somewhere. a) pharmaceutical companies having heyday w/sale of drugs that to cure emotional imbalance. b) Seems that Drs., have a pill for everything – relate personal story. B. Today I want to lay Biblical groundwork for discussing emotional problems. 1. wish to provide Biblical direction for those suffering from emotional distress. 2. don’t intend this lesson to be filled w/psycho-babble. 3. want to help those who are emotionally strong to know what we can do to help those who are weak. 4. want to suggest Biblical preventatives so that we can avoid painful moods. C. It has been said that during the battle of Waterloo that British were infuriated b/c French were killing all the British wounded. 1. even in mortal & desperate combat, civilized enemies don’t kill the other side’s wounded. 2. Uncivilized to kill enemy wounded. But…unthinkable to kill one’s own wounded – yet many times in the Lord’s army this is exactly what happens. 3. Emotionally wounded are mistaken for turncoat rebels - & through harsh & uncaring treatment they are shot. D. What should be the Biblical groundwork for discussing emotional problems? I. Preliminary Matters. A. Our emotions are only one of several aspects to our existence: 1. Lk. 10:27 – we are fourfold beings. a) mind – refers to intellect. b) Strength – the physical part of our body. c) Soul – the spiritual dimension d) Heart – the emotional sphere. 2. These 4 areas are distinct – but interrelated. a) speak of emotional problems: not referring to spiritual – though may lead to spiritual problems – as well as physical. b) Must recognize that our emotional makeup is a component of our own personality – and can be wounded – just as our intellect, physical body, and spiritual person. 3. One of the most common type of emotional wounds is depression. B. Bible makes a clear distinction between how we should deal w/the emotionally wounded and the spiritually rebellious. 1. 1 Thess. 5:14 – mentions 3 categories: a) unruly – to be admonished, warned. Seek to turn them from the error of their way. b) Fainthearted 1) from oligopsychos – means “fainthearted, discouraged” 2) they to be encouraged (paramytheomai) defined as: “encourage, cheer up, esp in connection w/death or other tragic events, to console, or comfort. c) weak 1) from asthenes – defined as: “those who are powerless.” 2) They have no strength – and should be upheld (helped). 2. Again, those who persistent in spiritual rebellion – we must be unwilling to compromise. We must be direct, we must be stern. 3. but….the emotionally weak, the powerless – we must be compassionate/caring! 4. Ignore this distinction? Deny both common sense and God’s instruction through the HS. C. Myths exist about the causes/nature of emotional illness. 1. critically important that we shatter these myths so we can help others & ourselves deal w/emotional wounds. II. Common Myths About Emotional Problems. A. Everyone gets depressed. 1. Underlying attitude: “I’ve been depressed, and I snapped out of it w/no trouble. Everyone else should to.” 2. truth of matter: Vast majority NEVER experience genuine depression. a) truly depressed people feel helpless; worthless. b) Cry w/o reason; constantly think of death/suicide; lose appetite; can’t sleep at night & want to all day. 3. Statistically: only 25% of Americans will ever suffer true depression. a) to believe everyone gets depressed & should just snap out of it is to assume: b) everyone has same emotional strength 4. Not true. We understand that everyone has different degrees of strength in physical realm, intellect, and spiritual ability. a) we’re also different emotionally. (you may cry at end of chick flick, I may not.) B. It=sinful behavior for a Christian to be depressed. 1. World: strong bias against depression. Said to lack: personal strength/toughness. 2. Brethren: spiritual character of depressed person often attacked: must not study, pray, trust in God enough. Where is their faith? a) some emotional wounds may be caused by unconfessed sin b) David: Psa. 38:2-8 c) People’s depression b/c of adultery, lifestyle they live. d) This, however, only one cause of depression. (Statistics – only 20%) 3. simple truth: many godly Bible characters suffered depression. a) David – Psa. 6:1-7 b) Job – Job 3:1; 20-26 – remember 1:8 c) Jesus – Mk. 14:33-34 4. Don’t Scriptures teach us not to be anxious? a) Paul – Phil. 4:6-7 b) Jesus Mt. 6:31 c) Scriptures teach not to be anxious w/trusting God in relation to material provisions – God will provide. 5. to accuse the sincere Christian of lack of faith b/c of depression is the most cruel thing a person can do. C. People w/depression should be able to snap out of it. 1. This idea presumes that the depression was completely their choice & that they woke up & said, “I think I will bury myself in depression.” 2. Causes of emotional wounds can be inherited. a) some inherit a biology that makes them susceptible to emotional problems. b) Involves a temperament – which we inherit. Some temperaments are subject to emotional problems. (sentimental, sensitive) 3. Causes of emotional wounds can be from life’s experiences. a) way raised. Some raised to suppress feelings/emotions – leading to depression. b) External stress – loss of a loved one tragically or too early. 4. Causes of emotional problems can be from life’s choices. a) Prov. 23:7 b) Often arises b/c one has failed to deal properly w/anger. 1) anger at self b/c of guilt, failure 2) anger at others so one holds grudges 3) anger at God b/c of tragedies. 5. it should be stressed that in all emotional illnesses – all 3 factors play a role – but to a different degree. D. A Christian should never have to take medicine because of emotional problems. 1. Some emotional problems are primarily causes by medical factors. a) emotional wounds may have physical consequences that may need chemical treatment. b) There is a difference between this & wishing to ignore the problem by doping oneself up in order to forget the problem. (run away from problem) 2. If your emotional problems are life threatening or life paralyzing (where you can’t function) – you need to seek medical help. 3. Sometimes medical procedures can help alter distorted thought patterns – and stabilize a person. Conclusion: A. To those who are beleaguered with emotional pain: Help can be on the way – w/wise applications of Biblical principles! 1. Heb. 4:14-16 B. Those who emotionally strong: Heed Gal. 6:2 C. In all things – strive to serve Christ to the best of your ability. D. I N V I T A T I O N