Out of the depths I have cried to you, Yahweh. Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions. If you, Yahweh, kept a record of sins,Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared. I wait for Yahweh. My soul waits. I hope in his word. My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning; more than watchmen for the morning. Israel, hope in Yahweh, for with Yahweh there is loving kindness. With him is abundant redemption. He will redeem Israel from all their sins. Â Â Â Â Psalm 130 (WEB)
There are many commercials on TV for depression and medication to help this illness. Depression has plagued my family for generations. It is the snake that quietly slithers in the back door and before I know it – there is a nest of vipers in the living room of my life. God’s promises are the beacon of hope that drives the snakes out. These snakes only want to live in shadows and darkness. It is in depression that I hear a voice inside my head beating me with everything that I have ever failed or thought I failed. I relive situations that I see no end and no solution. It runs over and over in my head like a recording stuck on rewind!
God’s promises are the rock foundation where I can confidently build my sanctuary. Take a few moments and read the words of Psalm 130 again.
I acknowledge where I am and Who has the power to bring me out of the pits when I call. That is the beginning of freedom. It is at that point that I see the truth of my sins and how great and holy God is. I fall to my knees asking for His mercy. The chains that bind me in my pits of depression are chains that the enemy wants me to believe can never be broken. They are chains in which I must exist. Hogwash! There is no weapon made that our Creator can not destroy! He is our Lord and King and Healer!
If my mind is filled with thoughts that bring me down, it is time to reach out my hand – weak though I may be – and touch the Hand of the One who is Hope. Fill my mind with Jesus’ words. Think on who always loves me. Sing the songs of His promises and His truth.
These next words make me wonder if Paul, too, knew something about depression:
“Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!†Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. Â Â Â Â Philippians 4:4-8 (WEB, my emphasis)
Today I choose to think about these things with Jesus’ help.
