The 911 Handbook Discussion Guide Questions

Lesson 9 / Chapter 9

When You Are Depressed: The Elijah Complex

Read 1 Kings 19:1-4

The Elijah Complex is when we lose all sense of God's presence, protection, and provision. Here are some thought patterns that cause us to acquire the Elijah Complex.

Thought #1: Your problem appears to be bigger than God.

When we get depressed, why do our problems appear so large?

Read Romans 12:1-2. How can renewing our minds day by day bring back the correct perspective?

Thought #2: You see yourself as the only one with problems.

Elijah thought he was the only one left who served God (1 Kings 19:10). Why does depression make us think we are alone in dealing with our problems?

Read 1 Peter 5:9. How can knowing that other Christians are experiencing the same problems encourage us?

Why did God tell Elijah that 7,000 in Israel had not bowed to Baal?

Thought #3: You lose hope for the future.

Read 1 Kings 19:4. How do we know Elijah was depressed?

Read the "Thought-Analyzer Test." Discuss how our thoughts can affect our emotions.

What is the cause for most depression?

Read Proverbs 17:22. How can a joyful heart be good medicine?

Explain why the two sons of the alcoholic father were completely different when they became adults.

How can we apply this lesson to our own lives?

First, Put your hope in God.

In Psalm 42:5, David commanded his soul to hope in God. When we are depressed, why is it important to regain our hope?

How can we put our hope in God? (Heb. 4:16)

Second, Sing in the dark.

David said, "And His song will be with me in the night" (Psalm 42:8). Why is singing praise and worship to God important during times when we are depressed?

Read Acts 16:25-26. Discuss the correlation between Paul and Silas' singing to God and the miracle of being set free from prison.

What parallels do you see in the spiritual realm?

Third, Rejoice it the Lord.

According to Philippians 4:4, how often should we rejoice?

Give two reasons when we should rejoice, even when we don't feel like rejoicing.

Fourth, Reach out and help other people.

According to Dr. Viktor Frankl, those in the prison camps who focused on helping others were mentally and physically stronger. Explain why.

Why is it necessary for a depressed person to turn their eyes from inward to outward?

Fifth, Change the way you view your problem.

When Moses sent the twelve spies into the promised land, ten returned with a bad report and two had a good report. Even though they all had seen the same set of circumstances, why did they have differing reports?

How does this apply to our outlook on life?

What was the key factor in Barbara being set free from her depression?