Not long ago, I received an email from a brother in Christ who was really going through a dark valley of discouragement and depression.  He asked for my advice.  I really believe the Holy Spirit inspired me to respond to him with a list of questions.  I want to provide these for you today in hopes that in reading and responding to them, you will be forced to dig deeper into your heart, beyond the tough days and feelings of loneliness, and find some answers as to why you feel like you do sometimes, and what you can do by God’s grace to turn things around.

Here is what I shared with this dear brother, and I share it with you in hopes that you are served and blessed through it.

Take an inventory of your life by asking the following questions:

1. Do I get enough rest?
2. What time do I go to bed?  How late do I sleep?
3. Do I eat healthy food or junk?
4. Do I rely on caffeine or sugar or energy drinks for energy?
5. Do I have any unhealthy relationships I need to get out of?
6. Am I bitter or resentful about anything in my past?
7. Am I allowing someone else’s expectations of me to discourage me?
8. Is there a secret sin or sins in my life that I am hiding from God or others?
9. Am I looking at anything on the internet that is sinful or questionable?
10. How much time do I spend online everyday?
11. Am I withholding forgiveness from anyone?
12. Does my life lack any daily structure or routine?
13. Is my life, my desk, my car, or my room filled with clutter?
14. How much TV do I watch, and what kind of shows do I entertain myself with?
15. Am I worshipping Christ and singing and meditating in private?
16. Is there a tough conversation I know I must have that I am avoiding?
17. Is there a big decision I know I need to make that I am putting off?

Just asking these questions will start you down a road where, if you will follow up with honest answer, you can begin to understand what leads you into these dark valleys and what you can do in your every day life to avoid the feelings of depression or discouragement.  There is always a place for solid, professional counseling.  But in my experience, these are the questions a good counselor would ask you.  I pray they are helpful.