Teach All Nations Ministries
Life Applications Bible Study
LEAVING LO_DEBAR SERIES
Lo Debar
Lo Debar is the name of a town in the area called Gilead in Manasseh. It's mentioned twice in the Bible;
once as the hiding place of Mephiboseth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul (2 Samuel 9:4,5 - spelled Lo
Debar), and once as the origin of Machir who supplies David and his people when they are on the run
from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27 - spelled Lo Debar).
The name Lo Debar consists of two parts. The Lo-part is a common particle of negation: no. It's also used
in names like Lo-Ammi (not my people) and Lo-Ruhamah (no mercy).
The Debar-part is of the fruitful and much applied dabar-stock. The word dabar is commonly translated
with Word, but it may also mean pasture or pestilence. What these three seemingly highly distinct
meanings may have to do with each other becomes evident after some word scrutiny; please refer to the
name Dabar YHWH (meaning Word of God) for more details.
The name Lo Debar means Without Pasture & perhaps means No Word, a derogatory name denoting lack
of enlightenment or stupidity.
As you study this series, commit to departing or never visiting this analogous place in your spiritual,
emotional, and physical walk in your life!
Page
1
DISCOURAGEMENT
What counsel does the Bible give for responding to discouragement?
BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 1:1-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD.
(1 Samuel 1:10, NIV)
Prayer is the key to handling discouragement. Hannah had good reason to feel
discouraged and bitter. She was unable to bear children; she shared her husband with
a woman who ridiculed her (1:7); her loving husband could not solve her problem
(1:8); and even the high priest misunderstood her motives (1:14). But instead of
retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed. She brought her problem honestly
before God.
Each of us may face times of barrenness when nothing “comes to birth” in our
work, service, or relationships. It is difficult to pray in faith when we feel so
ineffective. But, as Hannah discovered, prayer opens the way for God to work (1:1920).
Others can also help in handling discouragement. Earlier Hannah had been
discouraged to the point of being physically sick and unable to eat. At this point, she
returned home well and happy. The change in her attitude may be attributed to three
factors: (1) she honestly prayed to God (1:11), (2) she received encouragement from
Eli (1:17), and (3) she resolved to leave the problem with God (1:18). This is the
antidote for discouragement: tell God how you really feel and leave your problems
with him. Then rely upon the support of good friends and counselors.
Page
BIBLE READING: Philippians 1:12-30
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been
encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. (Philippians
1:14, NIV)
God can use discouraging situations to bring glory to himself. Being imprisoned
would cause many people to become bitter or to give up, but Paul saw it as one more
opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realized that his current
circumstances weren’t as important as what he did with them. Turning a bad
situation into a good one, he reached out to the Roman soldiers who made up the
palace guard and encouraged those Christians who were afraid of persecution. We
may not be in prison, but we still have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged—
times of indecision, financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, or the loss of
our jobs. How we act in such situations will reflect what we believe. Like Paul, look
for ways to demonstrate your faith even in bad situations. Whether or not the
situation improves, your faith will grow stronger.
2
BIBLE READING: Nehemiah 4:1-14
KEY BIBLE VERSE: After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the
officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord,
who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your
daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14, NIV)
Remember that God is able to do wonders even in discouraging situations.
Accomplishing any large task is tiring. There are always pressures that foster
discouragement—the task seems impossible, it can never be finished, or too many
factors are working against us. The only cure for fatigue and discouragement is
focusing on God’s purposes. Nehemiah reminded the workers of their calling, their
goal, and God’s protection. If you are overwhelmed by an assignment, tired, and
discouraged, remember God’s purpose for your life and his special purpose for the
project.
DEPRESSION
What are some common causes of depression?
BIBLE READING: Judges 15:1-20
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But now he was very thirsty and he prayed to the Lord and said,
“You have given Israel such a wonderful deliverance through me today! Must I now
die of thirst, and fall to the mercy of these heathen?” (Judges 15:18, TLB)
Depression often follows exhaustion. Samson was physically and emotionally
exhausted. After a great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into selfpity—”Must I now die of thirst?” Emotionally, we are most vulnerable after a great
effort or when faced with real physical needs. Severe depression often follows great
achievements, so don’t be surprised if you feel drained after a personal victory.
During these times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes
you for your efforts. It was his strength that gave you victory. Concentrate on
keeping your attitudes, actions, and words focused on God instead of yourself.
Page
What are some Biblical cures for common depression?
BIBLE READING: Psalm 42:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Yet I am standing here depressed and gloomy, but I will meditate
upon your kindness to this lovely land where the Jordan River flows and where
Mount Hermon and Mount Mizar stand. (Psalm 42:6, TLB)
Depression can be relieved by meditating on God’s Word. Depression is one of the
most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to meditate on the
record of God’s goodness to his people. This will take your mind off the present
situation and give you hope that it will improve. It will focus your thoughts on God’s
ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself. When you feel
depressed, take advantage of this psalm’s antidepressant. Read the Bible’s accounts
of God’s goodness and meditate on them.
3
BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 19:1-9
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba
in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the
desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I
have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
(1 Kings 19:3-4, NIV)
Depression sometimes follows great success. Elijah experienced the depths of fatigue
and discouragement just after his two great spiritual victories: the defeat of the
prophets of Baal and the answered prayer for rain. Often discouragement sets in after
great spiritual experiences, especially those requiring physical effort or involving
great emotion. To lead him out of depression, God first let Elijah rest and eat. Then
God confronted him with the need to return to his mission—to speak God’s words in
Israel. Elijah’s battles were not over; there was still work for him to do. When you
feel let down after a great spiritual experience, remember that God’s purpose for
your life is not yet over.
Depression can be relieved by patience. Later in this psalm, the writer tells his own
soul to be patient. There are plenty of reasons from the past to trust God. In spite of
the discouragement of the moment, the author is convinced that God has plans for
tomorrow that are better. That fact may not make the darkness bright, but it may
make it more bearable until the morning.
Depression can be relieved by expecting God to act. The psalmist confidently closes
this song with a statement of hope in the midst of difficult emotions. He may not feel
like it, but he knows that he will “again have plenty of reason to praise him for all
that he will do” (42:11).
DESPAIR
EXAMPLES OF DESPAIR
What makes people reach a point of despair?
BIBLE READING: Isaiah 59:1-21
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But the trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God.
Because of sin he has turned his face away from you and will not listen anymore.
(Isaiah 59:2, TLB)
Despair comes most easily from realizing our alienation from God. Sin offends our
holy God and separates us from him. Because God is holy, he cannot ignore, excuse,
or tolerate sin as though it didn’t matter. Sin cuts people off from him, forming a
wall to isolate God from the people he loves. No wonder this long list of wretched
sins makes God angry and forces him to look the other way. People who die with
their sin unforgiven separate themselves eternally from God. God wants them to live
with him forever, but he cannot take them into his holy presence unless their sin is
removed. Have you confessed your sin to God, allowing him to remove it? The Lord
can save you if you turn to him.
Page
BIBLE READING: Revelation 16:1-21
KEY BIBLE VERSE: The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and
his kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony and
cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to
repent of what they had done. (Revelation 16:10-11, NIV)
Despair can turn us away from our real source of hope. We know that the people
realized that these judgments came from God because they cursed him for sending
4
BIBLE READING: Joel 1:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: The vine is dried up and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate,
the palm and the apple tree—all the trees of the field—are dried up. Surely the joy of
mankind is withered away. (Joel 1:12, NIV)
Despair can overcome a nation. This prophet described a people ripe for despair. Their
physical and moral senses were dulled, making them oblivious to sin. Joel called
them to awaken from their complacency and admit their sins before it was too late.
Otherwise, everything would be destroyed, even the grapes that caused their
drunkenness. Our times of peace and prosperity can lull us to sleep. We must never
let material abundance hinder our spiritual readiness.
them. But they still refused to recognize God’s authority and repent of their sins.
Christians should not be surprised at the hostility and hardness of heart of
unbelievers. Even when the power of God is fully and completely revealed, many
will still refuse to repent. If you find yourself ignoring God more and more, turn back
to him now before your heart becomes too hard to repent.
ESCAPES FROM DESPAIR
How can God help us handle times of despair?
BIBLE READING: Psalm 40:1-17
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken
me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails
within me. (Psalm 40:12, NIV)
Overcoming despair often requires patience. Waiting for God to help us is not easy,
but David received four benefits from waiting: God (1) lifted him out of his despair,
(2) set his feet on a rock, (3) gave him a firm place to stand, and (4) put a new song
of praise in his mouth. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the
trial of waiting.
Page
BIBLE READING: Exodus 14:1-14
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you
will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today
you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
(Exodus 14:13-14, NIV)
Trusting God is the most reliable weapon against despair. Trapped against the sea, the
Israelites faced the Egyptian army sweeping in for the kill. The Israelites thought
they were doomed. After watching God’s powerful hand deliver them from Egypt,
their only response was fear, whining, and despair. Where was their trust in God?
Israel had to learn from repeated experience that God was able to provide for them.
God has preserved these examples in the Bible so that we can learn to trust him the
first time. By focusing on God’s faithfulness in the past we can face crises with
confidence rather than with fear and complaining.
5
BIBLE READING: Genesis 48:1-22
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again,
and now God has allowed me to see your children too.” (Genesis 48:11, NIV)
God can always provide hope to lift us out of despair. When Joseph became a slave,
Jacob thought he was dead and wept in despair (37:30). But eventually God’s plan
allowed Jacob to regain not only his son, but his grandchildren as well.
Circumstances are never so bad that they are beyond God’s help. Jacob regained his
son. Job got a new family (Job 42:10-17). Mary regained her brother Lazarus (John
11:1-44). We need never despair, because we belong to a loving God. We never
know what good he will bring out of a seemingly hopeless situation.
HOPE
What are the sources of a believer’s hope?
BIBLE READING: Leviticus 26:1-46
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I
will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my
covenant with them. I am the LORD their God. (Leviticus 26:44, NIV)
A Christian’s hope is based on God’s faithfulness. These verses show what God meant
when he said he is slow to anger (Exodus 34:6). Even if the Israelites chose to
disobey and were scattered among their enemies, God would still give them the
opportunity to repent and return to him. His purpose was not to destroy them, but to
help them grow. Our day-to-day experiences and hardships are sometimes
overwhelming; unless we can see that God’s purpose is to bring about continual
growth in us, we may despair. The hope we need is well expressed in Jeremiah
29:11-12: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will
call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.“ Retaining hope
while we suffer shows we understand God’s merciful ways of relating to his people.
Page
BIBLE READING: Romans 5:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained
access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of
the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2, NIV)
Hope comes from remembering all that God has done for us. As Paul states clearly
in 1 Corinthians 13:13, faith, hope, and love are at the heart of the Christian life. Our
relationship with God begins with faith, which helps us realize that we are delivered
from our past by Christ’s death. Hope grows as we learn all that God has in mind for
us; it gives us the promise of the future. And God’s love fills our life and gives us the
ability to reach out to others.
Hope grows as we depend on God in the difficult times. For first-century Christians,
suffering was the rule rather than the exception. Paul tells us that in the future we
will become, but until then we must overcome. This means we will experience
6
BIBLE READING: Mark 5:21-43
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, “Don’t be
afraid. Just trust me.” (Mark 5:36, TLB)
Hope comes from trusting Christ. Jairus’s crisis made him feel confused, afraid, and
without hope. Jesus’ words to Jairus in the midst of crisis speak to us as well: “Don’t
be afraid; just trust me.” In Jesus’ mind, there was both hope and promise. The next
time you feel hopeless and afraid, look at your problem from Jesus’ point of view.
He is the source of all hope and promise.
difficulties that help us grow. We rejoice in suffering not because we like pain or
deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life’s difficulties and Satan’s
attacks to build our character. The problems that we run into will develop our
perseverance—which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God,
and give us greater confidence about the future. You probably find your patience
tested in some way every day. Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal
with them in his strength (see also James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
BIBLE READING: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall
asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians
4:13, NIV)
Hope grows as we remember the promise of the resurrection. Because Jesus Christ
came back to life, so will all believers. All Christians, including those living when
Christ returns, will live with Christ forever. Therefore, we need not despair when
loved ones die or world events take a tragic turn. God will turn our tragedies to
triumphs, our poverty to riches, our pain to glory, and our defeat to victory. All
believers throughout history will stand reunited in God’s very presence, safe and
secure. As Paul comforted the Thessalonians with the promise of the resurrection, so
we should comfort and reassure each other with this great hope.
PROMISE(S)
GOD’S PROMISES
Page
BIBLE READING: Exodus 2:11-25
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with
Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was
concerned about them. (Exodus 2:24-25, NIV)
7
What can we learn from God’s promises?
BIBLE READING: Genesis 50:22-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: “Soon I will die,” Joseph told his brothers, “but God will surely
come and get you, and bring you out of this land of Egypt and take you back to the
land he promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (Genesis
50:24, TLB)
We can have confidence about the future. Joseph was ready to die. He had no doubts
that God would keep his promise and one day bring the Israelites back to their
homeland. What a tremendous example! The secret of that kind of faith is a lifetime
of trusting God. Your faith is like a muscle—it grows with exercise, gaining strength
over time. After a lifetime of exercising trust, your faith can be as strong as Joseph’s.
Then at your death, you can be confident that God will fulfill all his promises to you
and to all those faithful to him who may live after you.
We can know that God is faithful. God’s rescue doesn’t always come the moment we
want it. God had promised to bring the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt (Genesis
15:16; 46:3-4). The people had waited a long time for that promise to be kept, but
God rescued them when he knew the right time had come. God knows the best time
to act. When you feel that God has forgotten you in your troubles, remember that
God has a time schedule we can’t see.
BIBLE READING: Mark 1:1-8
KEY BIBLE VERSE: In the book written by the prophet Isaiah, God announced that he
would send his Son to earth, and that a special messenger would arrive first to
prepare the world for his coming. “This messenger will live out in the barren
wilderness,” Isaiah said, “and will proclaim that everyone must straighten out his
life to be ready for the Lord’s arrival.” (Mark 1:2-3, TLB)
We can know that God has a plan. Hundreds of years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had
predicted that John the Baptist and Jesus would come. How did he know? God
promised Isaiah that a Redeemer would come to Israel, and that a messenger calling
in the desert would prepare the way for him. Isaiah’s words comforted many people
as they looked forward to the Messiah, and knowing that God keeps his promises can
comfort you too.
BIBLE READING: Philippians 4:10-20
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether
well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through
him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV)
We can learn contentment. Are you content in any circumstances you face? Paul knew
how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. The secret was
drawing on Christ’s power for strength. Do you have great needs, or are you
discontented because you don’t have what you want? Learn to rely on God’s
promises and Christ’s power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask
God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will
supply all your needs, but in a way that he knows is best for you.
Page
What should be characteristic of our promises?
BIBLE READING: Genesis 47:28-31
KEY BIBLE VERSE: When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son
Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my
thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me
in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where
they are buried.” “I will do as you say,” he said. (Genesis 47:29-30, NIV)
Our promises ought to be dependable. Putting a hand under the thigh was a sign of
making a promise, much like shaking hands today. Jacob had Joseph promise to bury
8
OUR PROMISES
him in his homeland. Few things were written in this culture, so a person’s word then
carried as much force as a written contract today. People today seem to find it easy to
say, “I didn’t mean that.” God’s people, however, are to speak the truth and live the
truth. Let your words be as binding as a written contract.
BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 1:21-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: “I asked him to give me this child, and he has given me my
request; and now I am giving him to the Lord for as long as he lives.” So she left him
there at the Tabernacle for the Lord to use. (1 Samuel 1:27-28, TLB)
Our promises should be kept even when they are costly. To do what she promised (1
Samuel 1:11), Hannah gave up what she wanted most—her son—and presented him
to Eli to serve in the house of the Lord. In dedicating her only son to God, Hannah
was dedicating her entire life and future to God. Because Samuel’s life was from
God, Hannah was not really giving him up. Rather, she was returning him to God
who had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place. These verses illustrate the kind of
gifts we should give to God. Do your gifts cost you little (Sunday mornings, a
comfortable tithe), or are they gifts of sacrifice? Are you presenting God with tokens,
or are you presenting him with your entire life?
BIBLE READING: John 13:31-38
KEY BIBLE VERSE: “But why can’t I come now?” he asked, “for I am ready to die for
you.” Jesus answered, “Die for me? No—three times before the cock crows
tomorrow morning, you will deny that you even know me!” (John 13:37-38, TLB)
Our promises should be made with firm commitment. Peter proudly told Jesus that he
was ready to die for him. But Jesus corrected him. He knew Peter would deny that he
knew Jesus that very night to protect himself (John 18:25-27). In our enthusiasm, it is
easy to make promises, but God knows the extent of our commitment. Paul tells us,
“be honest in your estimation of yourselves” (Romans 12:3). Instead of bragging,
demonstrate your commitment step by step as you grow in your knowledge of God’s
Word and in your faith.
Page
What examples of faithfulness do we find in the Bible?
BIBLE READING: Lamentations 3:1-66
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his
compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)
In the midst of despair, Jeremiah clung to God’s faithfulness. Jeremiah saw one ray
of hope in all the sin and sorrow surrounding him: “Because of the LORD’s great love
we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Jeremiah knew from personal
experience about God’s faithfulness. God had promised that punishment would
follow disobedience, and it did. But God also had promised future restoration and
9
FAITHFULNESS
blessing, and Jeremiah knew that God would keep that promise also. Trusting in
God’s faithfulness day by day makes us confident in his great promises for the
future.
God willingly responds with help when we ask. Perhaps there is some sin in
your life that you thought God would not forgive. God’s steadfast love and mercy are
greater than any sin, and he promises forgiveness.
BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 19:1-21
KEY BIBLE VERSE: He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty.
The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your
prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to
kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10, NIV)
God always has a remnant of faithful followers. Elijah thought he was the only person
left who was still faithful to God. He had seen both the king’s court and the
priesthood become corrupt. After experiencing great victory at Mount Carmel, he
had to run for his life. Lonely and discouraged, he forgot that others had remained
faithful during the nation’s wickedness. When you are tempted to think that you are
the only one remaining faithful to a task, don’t stop to feel sorry for yourself. Selfpity will dilute the good you are doing. Be assured that even if you don’t know who
they are, others are faithfully obeying God and fulfilling their duties.
BIBLE READING: Mark 9:42-50
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty
again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other. (Mark 9:50, NIV)
Faithfulness should be characteristic of God’s people. Jesus used salt to illustrate three
qualities that should be found in his people: (1) We should remember God’s
faithfulness, just as salt used with a sacrifice recalled God’s covenant with his people
(Leviticus 2:13). (2) We should make a difference in the “flavor” of the world we
live in, just as salt changes meat’s flavor (see Matthew 5:13). (3) We should
counteract the moral decay in society,(just as salt preserves food from decay. When
we lose this desire to “salt” the earth with the love and message of God, we become
useless to him.)
Page
10
AMEN!