Group Study on Grief and Depression
🕊️ Let’s Talk About: Grief & Depression
Community Group Study Resource
Objective
To explore biblical perspectives on grief and depression, understand God’s presence in our struggles, and discover practical ways to support one another in community.
🪔 Introduction
Icebreaker Question:
Share a time when you experienced a significant loss or change.
How did it affect you emotionally and spiritually?
Purpose:
This study will explore how the Bible addresses grief and depression, offering hope and guidance for those walking through difficult seasons.
Opening Prayer:
Invite someone to open your time together in prayer, asking for understanding, compassion, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
📖 Scripture Exploration & Discussion
1. Grief — Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Group Discussion:
- How does this verse speak to you in times of grief?
- Can you recall a time when you felt God’s closeness during a difficult period?
2. Depression — Psalm 42:11
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Group Discussion:
- What does it mean to put your hope in God amidst depression?
- How can praise be part of our response to depression?
3. God’s Presence — Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Group Discussion:
- What comfort do you find in knowing God is with you in the darkest valleys?
- How can we become more aware of God’s presence in difficult times?
4. Community Support — Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Group Discussion:
- How can we effectively carry each other’s burdens?
- Share a time when someone helped carry your burden. How did it impact you?
5. New Beginnings — Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Group Discussion:
- What new thing might God be doing in your life right now?
- How can we remain open to God’s new beginnings after a period of grief?
❤️ Application & Reflection
Personal Reflection
Spend a few moments in silence, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you need His comfort, renewal, or hope.
Group Sharing
Encourage participants to share any insights, comfort, or commitments they feel God is placing on their hearts.
🪴 Practical Steps
Identify Your “2 A.M. Friends”:
Who are the people you can call when life gets heavy? How can you be that friend for someone else?Self‑Care & Support:
Discuss ways to care for yourself and others — including prayer check‑ins, community time, journaling, or seeking counseling when needed.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Conclude by thanking God for His comfort and grace. Ask Him to help each participant apply what they’ve learned and to be a source of hope to others.
✨ Wrap‑Up Thought
Healing takes time, and that’s okay. Through Scripture, prayer, and community, God walks with us — turning pain into purpose and sorrow into strength.