Speak The Truth EP. 88 Gospel For Real Life Series - Depression: The Sun Always Rises W/Author & Biblical Counselor Margaret Ashmore
Episode Summary:
In this episode, hosts, Mike, Shauna, and Jeremy are joined by author and biblical counselor, Margaret Ashmore to discuss depression. The periods of depression that we all share can range from having a bad day to grieving the loss of a loved one. Our fallen world harbors a broad spectrum of suffering that, while never the same for each individual, has always been part of the human condition. Yet Margaret Ashmore reminds us that however difficult our circumstances, they cannot determine whether our lives are ruled by joy or by depression . . . the choices we make in light of those circumstances do. She lays before us a set of godly choices we can make in our own “dark night of the soul” to seek God’s freedom from our dominating depression.
Episode Notes:
Margaret attends Benchmark Bible Church in Denton, Texas, where she serves as director of the counseling ministry in addition to leading Bible studies for women. She is a frequent speaker for women’s retreats and conferences across the country as an outreach of her church. Margaret has always been single, considering this a gift in allowing her to freely serve the Lord in “feeding His sheep.”
- What inspired you to write this book on Depression?
- You started the book by describing the normality of depression, which might sound new to some people. Will you share with us what that means?
- After your discussion on the normality of depression, you talk about the power to choose. Tell us more about that.
- What passages of scripture do you most often use in counseling to someone struggling with depression?
- On page 33, share with us how you used an image of Elizabeth Elliot as an illustration?
- Outside of this book, is there anything else that would helpful for us to know/learn about providing biblical counseling to someone struggling with depression?
- How would a pastor or biblical counselor use this book as a resource in counseling?
Episode Resources:
Depression: The Sun Always Rises (booklet highlighted in the episode)
Depression: A Stubborn Darkness - Ed Welch