Adapted from a 2010 Living Room interactive devotional
More than ever, people today are dealing with depression. It’s not surprising. But for many, depression is more than a condition caused by a difficult situation. The most painful thing for them is the endlessness of it. All they see is a life filled with darkness. All they see is despair—hopelessness. They might even start thinking that they themselves are worthless.
Is it like this for you? If so, this is when you need to look at life’s big picture.
Try to remember the good times, the good you’ve done, the happiness you’ve felt. Remember how you’re loved by friends and family. Most of all, remember God’s great love for you.
However, as we who have been through it know, it’s the nature of depression to see only the bad. Seeing the good can be extremely difficult.
King David understood this well and in Psalm 30:4-5 he comforts us when he writes:
Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
God’s “anger lasts only a moment,” David tells us. “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” This should encourage you. These words come from a man who knew all about it.
In his psalms, David speaks often about his own dark times. But he shows his joy as well. Repeatedly he talks about his trust in God.
David’s psalms can bring us comfort and encouragement. When you’re feeling hopeless, try reading a few. One a day would be a good plan. Allow them to help you follow along with David on his journey with God—one step in front of the other. You’ll get there.
With David, you’ll learn to trust again.
Why not try it?
marja
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