Don't Believe the Storm :: Depression
Use the lead app to check in students and make sure any students not listed fill out a connect card digitally.
Do not move on until check-in has happened and any students not listed have filled out a connect card.
Remind them they can ask us anything by texting AMA to 678-798-8338 or by dropping a card in the lobby AMA Box.
A few starter questions:
When was the last time you lost your voice because you screamed so loud?
Have them share some stories : ) .
Did you know it’s okay to cry out to God for help? Is this something you do?
Have one of the students grab a bible and find Psalm 13.
Have the student read the chapter.
Here are the verses in case you need them:
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Discuss as a group what ways David praises God after he cries out in this chapter. (use OIA if it helps)
Have a different student find Psalm 96.
Have them read the chapter.
Here are the verses in case you need them:
1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
10Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Have a discussion as a group about what things David praises in this Psalm. (use OIA if it helps)
Ask students what they think about singing to God?
Do they sing in Moxie? On Sundays at church?
Do they sing outside of church?
What is their go to song?.
Next Step
Hav students pick a worship song to start their day off singing over the next week. In their room or shower or whatever.
A few extra questions that might start some great conversations:
When we feel depressed, what are some ways we can put our focus back on God?
What are some things we can always praise God for despite how we feel?
Finish by praying as a group.
We will know we have hit our target if:
-Students and leaders got a worship song in mind for testing out this coping mechanism.
-Students and leaders had some beneficial conversations on depression and despair.
-Some time is spent in small group reading scripture. (Helping increase their bible literacy)
-All the guys know Foundry is coming and they need to sign up. All the ladies know they can let their guy friends know they should go to the Foundry cause it rocks.