Happy am I Jesus is mine forever Never

Happy am I, Jesus is mine forever Never to leave, always in each endeavor Leading me on in a life ending never Giving a smile Every mile, Happy am I

I’m happy today, so happy today, In Jesus’ name I’m happy today. He’s taken all my sins away, That’s why I’m happy today.

I’m so happy and here’s the reason why— Jesus took my burdens all away. Now I’m singing as the days go by, Jesus took my burdens all away

If you’re happy and you know it, say “Amen!” If you’re happy and you know it Then your life will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, say “Amen!”

Can I be a Christian and Still be Depressed? (Dispelling Myths and Gaining Tools)

Depression is…

Symptoms of Depression Depressed mood most of the day, as indicated by sadness or emptiness l Diminished interest in pleasure in activities and the company of others l Significant weight loss or weight gain l Altered sleep patterns—too much or too little l Decreased physical activity and/or increased agitation l

Symptoms of Depression Fatigue or loss of energy l Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt l Indecisiveness or diminished ability to think or concentrate clearly l Recurrent thoughts of death, contemplation of suicide, or suicide attempt l

l l l Depressed mood, sadness, emptiness Less interest in company of others Feeling worthless or inappropriately guilty Can’t think or concentrate clearly Thoughts of death, contemplation of suicide l l l “I alone am left, and they seek to kill me” Left his servant…but he himself went on “I am no better than my fathers!” Runs at empty threat after great victory Prayed that he might die and said “It is enough! Now Lord, take my life. ”

Is Depression Sin? NO but…it can lead there l In attitudes (1 Kings 19: 14, 18) l In actions or inactions (1 Kings 21: 4 -16) Bad circumstances can make wrong actions understandable, but not excusable (Prov 6: 30 -31)

Causes of depression l Abnormally low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin l Acts as the “axle grease” for nerves to relay messages l Can be brought on by l Adolescence l Childbirth l Advanced age l Child abuse l Drug use/abuse (prescription and otherwise)

Physical or Spiritual? Certainly physical, maybe BOTH! Satan cause physical distress Job (Job 2) Paul (2 Cor 12: 7)

Why Me? Forces me to become more dependent on God (Paul) l Prevents me from thinking too highly of myself (Paul, Job) l Gives me a sense of empathy (2 Cor 1: 4) l

What now? Seek medical attention l Bathe deeply in God’s Word l l Remind yourself of His love and care l Let His truth counteract the lies your mind tells you (John the Baptist) Pray l Continue to serve (Elijah) l Be deliberate in doing enjoyable things l Smile! (Prov 17: 22) l

How Can I Help? Listen l Be supportive (John the Baptist) l Be physically present l Help with daily chores l Gently provide the structure of accountability (Elijah) l