The truth that God can work good out of this season of depression (Romans 8: 28) is a consolation to use sensitively. However, it’s not without biblical merit to suggest that God intends to use this season of suffering to spiritually refine both you and your teen. Let’s briefly consider three purposes. First, you may find that your teen’s depression serves as an opportunity for you to share the gospel with him or her. If your child has yet to place his or her hope in Christ, now is the time to extend God’s gracious invitation. It may be God’s plan that your teen comes to saving faith in Jesus because of this trial (Psalm 119:71). If your teen doesn’t […]
Depression
3 posts
While it can be tempting to view your teen’s depression as pouting, or simply the result of hormone fluctuations, the truth is that your child’s despondency is an outward expression of internal unrest. It can be tempting to grow impatient with your teen’s emotional instability. Oftentimes, in frustration, parents may resort to trite slogans and superficial encouragements. Even so, a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality is desperately insufficient to help our teens. In fact, any strategy that invites us to rely upon our own willpower for change is a limited resource at best, and painfully destructive at worst, “for not by might shall a man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9). It’s important to view depression through a biblical lens. […]
The Holiday Season is a season of moods. Thoughts of depression, discontent, and sadness mix together with the parties, presents, and promises of a better new year. Moods, good or bad, are challenging to understand. Help is on the way! Dr. Charles Hodges has written a compassionate and information packed resource that sheds biblical light on our moods. Shepherd Press is pleased to announce the publication of Good Mood, Bad Mood. Next week we will provide you with details on how you can take advantage of a special pre-publication offer as well as receive a free ebook copy of the book. Until then here are some endorsements for Good Mood, Bad Mood, that should peak your interest: Dr. Hodges has […]