Jonah 4:1-11

“Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” 10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”  

BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS.

  • Fatigue/Exhaustion
  • The “After the High” Lows
  • Constant Problems
  • Isolation 
  • Disconnection from God

KEEP A PROPER PERSPECTIVE ABOUT MY PAST.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

BE PROACTIVE IN MY PRESENT.

  • Rest
  • Connect with people
  • Connect with God
  • Remember God’s purpose for your life.

My tank will fill as I do God’s will.

STAY POSITIVE ABOUT GOD’S PROMISES.

Each time Jesus said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Romans 8:34

Questions for Discussion

  • What types of things tend to get you down the most?
  • Share one of the loneliest moments of your life. How did you make it through such a difficult time?
  • Why do you think it is so hard for most of us to rest? What are some things you can do to have more rest in your life?
  • Of the five Potential Problems that warn you of sadness, which one is your most common challenge?
  • How did God miraculously care for Jonah in the desert?
  • Do you think Jonah was justified in being discouraged by his circumstances?
  • Why do you think God revealed Himself to Jonah when the prophet was discouraged?
  • What are some ways that you can remind yourself that God is in control when you are in the middle of difficult circumstances?
  • One of the most common factors that leads to depression is wearing ourselves out. In what areas of your life are you exhausted? What are some things you can do starting today to help relieve that exhaustion?
  • What will you do this week to get your focus off of your own circumstances and onto the needs of others?
  • Pray for those in your group that are struggling with depression, as well as those that are struggling with exhaustion. Ask that God will work in them to remove these feelings from their life.