Discouragement, despair, depression. This may seem to be an unusual way to end a study of the book of Psalms, but considering the difficulties this world is facing, it might possibly be one of the most important discussions you will have with your group. Psalm 42:1-11 gives us a snapshot of a follower of God who is struggling with holding on to his faith during some of the greatest struggles of his life. I pray that all who dive into LifeWay's Explore the Bible Study: The Longing, will be encouraged as they discover how the psalmist fought his battles with discouragement, despair, and depression.

When you face discouraging times, are you more like Eeyore or Tigger from the Winnie the Pooh stories? This is a question you could use to introduce the session. The following video clip could be used to help illustrate the two extremes as you emphasize how the lessons from the psalmist's life can help us reside somewhere in the middle while striving to avoid either extreme.


SIGNIFICANTLY MODIFIED TEACHING OUTLINE
You will discover in this week's teaching helps that I have adjusted the approach to the study significantly.

Identify the Symptoms of Discouragement, Despair, and Depression - All of Psalm 42

The Psalmists' response to Discouragement, Despair, and Depression

1. He didn't quit thirsting for God - Psalm 42:1-2
2. He remembers - Psalm 42:4 and Psalm 42:6
3. He preaches to his own soul - Psalm 42:5
4. He affirms God's love - Psalm 42:8
5. He sings praises to God - Psalm 42:8
6. He asks why - Psalm 42:9
7. He reminds himself what he believes about God - Psalm 42:11

William Cowper was one of the church's greatest hymn writers, a person mightily used by God. But this gifted composer was not without frequent bouts of deep discouragement, even depression. The first attacks of despair struck him when he was a young man. He was admitted to St. Albans Insane Asylum, where he made several attempts to commit suicide. One of the doctors gave Cowper a Bible, and he began to read it. In learning of the grace of God, he put his trust in Christ and was gloriously saved.