“WHEN DEPRESSION HITS YOU”
(Psalms 143:1-12; 144:1-15; 145:1-21)
“Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.” – Psalm 143:7
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how you feel, think and act. It’s characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Have you ever found yourself in a “state of depression”? I know I have. And, so did David, the author of the Psalms we read today. The truth is, every one of us goes through times when the events of our life seemingly mount up, at least from our point of view, into a place of hopelessness.
So, what do you do when you find yourself in that condition?
- Recognize and acknowledge your mental condition (:4) Denying your depression doesn’t help – it only delays your recovery.
- Remember the days of old (:5). Discipline your mind to recall times when you recognized the mighty hand of God on your life. Focus on those times!
- Reach out to God in prayer! (:6) David says it well – thirsting for God like a parched land thirsts for rain!
- Respond to God’s instruction! (:8-10) Allow God to show you where to walk. Run to Him and hide in Him. Let Him teach you to do His will. Let Him lead you forward.
Simple Truth:
When you seem “inside-out” allow God to turn you “right-side-in”
Reflection & Application:
- If you sense that you are in a time of trouble, know that God is an ever-present help in trouble! (Psalm 46:1)
- If you are unsure of what direction to take today, ask God to “lead you in paths of righteousness!” (Psalm 23:3)
- No matter what things look like in the natural, know that God will “never leave you or forsake you!” (Deuteronomy 31:8 and Hebrews 13:5)
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, be a light to my path, and lead me in the right direction. I yield myself to you today. I ask your Holy Spirit to comfort me, and to fill me with a joy unspeakable, not conditioned by the events around me, but rather by eternity in front of me. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen!
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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