Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 131, 133; Psalms 138-141, 143
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Psalms 143:7
Have you ever been in this place? King David, “The man after God’s own heart,” who wrote these words knew about depression. He probably didn’t call it depression. Depression is a term that has become a household word only in the last 40-50 years, but he certainly mentioned one of the common characteristics of depression–hopelessness:
What do you do when you’ve lost all hope?
God allowed David to go through times of depression and hopelessness and had him journal these times in the Psalms so that you and I can make it through our times of hopelessness. If you are severely depressed by all means seek medical help, but for many of us following David’s example could be the missing piece in our pursuit of hope. Here’s what David did:
Go to God–Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea (Psalm 143:1).
Tell Him exactly how you feel--My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to lie in darkness like those in the grave. I’m losing all hope; I’m paralyzed with fear (Psalms 143:3-4).
Remember–I remember the days of old, I ponder all Your great works and think about what You have done (Psalms 143:5).
Spend time worshiping God–I lift my hands to You in prayer. I thirst for You as parched land thirsts for rain (Psalms 143:9).
Update God on your Progress–Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depressions deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die (Psalms 143:7).
Trust God for the outcome–Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You (Psalms 143:8).
Ask for direction–Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you (Psalms 143:8b). May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing (Psalm 143:10b).
Be teachable–Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God (Psalm 143:10).
Have the right motive–For the glory of Your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of Your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress (Psalms 143:11).
Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends who feel hopeless tonight. Pursue them. Come close. Lord, help them to know that Your Word is their lifeline. Holy Spirit, speak to them. Give them hope. Heal their sadness. Replace it with Your joy. Lord, do it for the Glory of Your Name.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 144-145; Psalm 88-89
