I'm (not) on top of the world - Parent Connection

Objective - Students will learn that in the midst of depression, they can look to God and will be challenged to hope in Him despite their circumstances.

Key Scripture  - Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

Summary - This lesson was the third in a four-week series called Tough Topics. In this series, we are dealing with several tough topics from a biblical perspective. Today, we tackled the topic of depression. Depression is definitely a tough topic today as many parents are unsure how to help their students through hopeless times. Your student was taught that God gives us hope, He is with us at all times, and He responds to us in times of despair.

As students deal with so many circumstances in life that can cause depression, they were challenged to make a commitment to look to God for hope. While severe cases may require intervention from a medical professional, the type of depression we looked at tonight can be overcome through seeking God’s presence, speaking to God in prayer, and speaking His promises to their souls.

Your student should have filled out a triangle-shaped piece of paper that was handed to them during the lesson. Ask them if you can see that paper and encourage them to carry that with them throughout the week. On the triangle, they were to write something that caused them to be depressed, a promise from God they need to remember, and an action to take in overcoming those feelings. Offer to pray with and for your student about the difficult situation. Help them to claim the promise of God and take steps this week to look up to God for help in time of need.