Big Idea: Depression is more than just feeling sad; it is a complex mental health condition that affects a person's body, emotions, relationships, and spiritual life. It can disrupt sleep, reduce energy, change appetite, and contribute to various physical pains and aches. 

Key Scripture: 1 Kings 17:9-16

Main Idea: Even in our pain and despair God’s desire is for us to invite him in. Just like the widow, our depression and despair can impact our capacity to hear God speak. God is calling us into hope. Let's take a look at four ways hope can impact how we walk through difficult times. 

1. Physically

Hope is survival! Even when it feels painful and physically hard, if we believe even a little that we can survive, there is still hope. Elijah brought the word of the Lord to the widow but she had to reach out and grab hold of it for herself.

Question: Have you ever had to wait on God and his timing in the middle of an uncertain and painful situation? How did you hold onto hope? 

2. Psychologically

Hope is agency. Hope will diminish when we feel we have no power to change our circumstances. The widow lost agency when she could not replenish the simple flour and oil that kept her and her son alive.

Question: How has your relationship with Jesus and knowing the power of the Holy Spirit changed your outlook on circumstances out of your control? 

3. Relationally

Hope is attachment. Knowing we have people who will show up for us is crucial for hope.  Question: Hebrews 5:13 tells us He will never leave us or forsake us. How have you seen God use others to fulfill this promise in your own life?

4. Spiritually

Hope is meaning! When we have a purpose bigger than our pain, we move through the depression and despair into hope. The enemy wants to rob your sense of purpose but Jesus says in John 10:10 that He came so that we may have life and live it abundantly! 

Conclusion

Waiting on God means to depend on Him fully for our needs, guidance, and  direction, acknowledging we do not have control over every aspect of our lives. When we relinquish control and surrender to the Lord our circumstances may not change but we begin to have a perspective shift. 

As you go through the week, begin to ask yourself this question:

How is God shifting my perspective?