TEXT:
‘O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!’ – Psalm 42:11 TLB
THOUGHT:
In the previous Today’s Teaching we studied “Overcoming Fear”, something that abounds in the hearts of many, not just due to the Coronavirus, but also other life problems we encounter.
Following hard on the heels of fear, can come depression, a common complaint even in the midst of a wealthy nation such as Britain. Prescriptions of antidepressants have soared in recent years. Over 70 million were issued during 2018 in England alone, nearly double the figure for 2008. Perhaps some of the cause for this increase is slick and relentless advertising that implies your life is not worth as much unless you have the latest car, gadget, phone, clothes or accessories. I am seeing this in Africa where they are striving to have what they see is readily available in the affluent nations of the world.
Our text reveals that David was trying to conquer depression, caused by an ongoing situation that he was struggling to cope with. What can we learn from God’s Word that will help us get through what we are facing right now?
- It is possible to be content with a little – ‘Do you want to be truly rich? You already are if you are happy and good. After all, we didn’t bring any money with us when we came into the world, and we can’t carry away a single penny when we die. So we should be well satisfied without money if we have enough food and clothing’ – 1 Timothy 6:6-8 TLB
There is much we can do without and still live and enjoy a contented life. I always find it challenging how much we have in our home that we do not regularly use, especially when I have returned from Africa where most homes have next to nothing in them.
The clampdown on movement due to the Coronavirus means we now have to go without many of life’s luxuries we take for granted. The recent battles in the supermarkets and empty shelves, reminds us of the one thing we cannot do without; food and water! Yet there really is more than enough for everyone, so no need to stockpile and deprive others of what they need too!
Why not look around your house as you are reading this and appreciate what you do have that makes your life easier and more enjoyable, especially the things that were not available when you were growing up. If all that we have is plentiful food and water we are in a much better position than billions are around the world.
- How we talk to ourselves is critical when seeking to overcome depression – ‘Why are you cast down O my soul?’
David said this to himself several times. We can say the right words to others but the wrong ones to ourselves. We can be soft and forgiving of others but hard on ourselves. Words have power and help to create the world that we live in. The Book of Proverbs reminds us of this truth.
‘Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time!’ – Proverbs 15:23 TLB
‘Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body’ – Proverbs 16:24 NLT
‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words’ – Proverbs 18:21 AMP
Night-time can be worse when there are no distractions from depressing thoughts. If we are not careful our thoughts and words can hold us in a world we create with our minds. People can tell us to say the opposite of what we are saying to ourselves, but it will make no difference unless we change what we are saying!
- Depression can be conquered when we bring God into it – ‘Hope in God’
Depression sees an unchanging future or one that is steadily getting worse. David did three things to help himself out of his dark time
Firstly, he told God he was depressed, ‘O my God my soul is cast down within me’ v6. He made himself tell someone the truth about how he was really feeling. It was God and he realised that God did love and care about him.
Secondly, he started to remember the good things in life, ‘Therefore I will remember’ v6. It’s not all bad! The same God who had blessed him in the past would take care of his future, ‘The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime and in the night His song shall be with me’ v8. God had and would continue to bless him day and night.
Thirdly, he told himself about the difference telling God would make to his situation, ‘Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him, the help of countenance and my God’ v11. He saw light at the end of the tunnel, a change that would take place. He believed there would come a time to praise and replace any self-condemnation and complaining with thanksgiving!
Depression can be fuelled by a sense of helplessness to bring about change, but by focussing on God we end up looking at somebody bigger than you and I! If may not be possible for you or anyone else, but Jesus said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God’ – Luke 18:27. So hope in God and you will yet praise Him!
‘I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path, and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in him’ – Psalm 40:1-3 TLB.
A prayer you can pray to ask God for His help.
O God, I am worried about the future. I need your peace. I am sorry for the things I have done which were wrong. Please forgive me as I forgive everyone who has wronged me. Come into my life Lord Jesus, be my Saviour and be with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for hearing this prayer. Amen.
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