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Leviticus 19:1-20:21; Mark 8:11-38; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 10:18
“My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, ‘Where is your God?’ I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts.
Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me. The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:3-8)
This song was written by one of the sons of a priest who apparently at one time lead worship. He has found himself in the pit of depression and encourages himself by thinking of better times. He can’t seem to put his finger on why he feels the way he does but he is determined to keep pressing on.
Anyone who has played at the beach knows how tiring it is to fight the surf. The waters wash over you, you fall, again and again. The psalmist has found himself fighting the waves of life and is overwhelmed and tired of the fight. He continues to seek God’s face even with people mocking him. “Who is your God?” they say. And even though he doesn’t feel God’s presence at the moment, he knows that the experiences he has had with God are real and he holds fast to his memories.
I understand the psalmist, I have walked through depression and I can tell you that you must hold on to what you know to be true. God’s Word stands the test of time; it is more powerful than our thoughts and emotions. Know that God is real and His hand is with you, whether you can feel it or not. Get the Word of God deep into your heart and it will carry you through any trial of life.
Yes, depression is real and it can happen to those who love God. Just hold what you got, remember your experiences with the Lord, remember His faithfulness. Know that His faithful love is covering you by day and He is giving you a song in the night. Everything is going to be alright. Keep fighting, keep pushing, never give up, you’re coming through.
PRAYER:
In the name of Jesus, I take authority over this depression that is trying to overpower me. I pray for forgiveness, my healing, and deliverance. I refuse to surrender to this night and I summon every bit of Word within me for this fight. Lord, keep me. Give me peace in my spirit, guide me through this experience and allow me to be a better person for it. Help me to put one foot in front of the other every day and to reach beyond myself to help others. I’m taking my eyes off of men and I am going to push my way through this. Deep in my spirit I know that this too shall pass and everything is gonna be alright. You are faithful Lord. Touch me so that I know I’m not alone. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
