My spirit fails the Psalmist writes (Psalm 143:7). I will be like those who go down to the pit. (Psalm 143:7). The Psalmist provides a good description of depression. It’s much more than an occasional sadness or “I’m feeling a little down today.” Depression feels like our spirit is failing. In the throes of depression things don’t look bleak, they look catastrophic. Our spirit feels like it’s failing. Depression is an all-consuming condition that negatively impacts how we think, feel, and function daily. It impacts how we see ourselves and others. Our world is viewed through the lens of negativity. It feels like going down into a pit. Our lack of motivation makes it hard to do things, even crawl out of the pit. We struggle to read our Bible and pray. We avoid social interactions. The pit of depression is a dark hole that we find ourselves in. The darkness can prevent us from finding a way out. Though the Psalmist paints a grim picture of depression, he follows with a way of crawling out of the pit and waking our spirit.
In verse 8 he writes, “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love.” We can join the psalmist in this. Yes, it’s difficult to focus on something other than the pit we are in. However, when we focus on Jesus and His unfailing love we have a better chance of seeing the light. I have found some relief from depression by focusing on Jesus. Listening to Christian music is a great way to alleviate my depressive symptoms. No, It doesn’t cure my depression, but it helps lessen its hold on me. So looking for ways to realize God’s unfailing love for us is key to relieving the pit feeling we experience. It begins to awaken a spirit and we begin to feel better. The Psalmist continues by stating “I put my trust in You” (v. 8). When our spirit feels like it's failing and the pit is closing in on us we cannot trust ourselves. We cannot trust our feelings. We cannot trust our perception of how things are around us. However, we can choose to trust God.
The Psalmist asks for directions in verse 8. “Show me the way I should go.” We cannot find our way out of the pit of depression, but we can trust that God will show us the way. This will take a conscious effort on our part. We must purposely reach out to God, trusting Him to guide us in the right direction. God is faithful. He is there with us. I know this because He has never failed me. This is to say that I don’t lose my way at times, but when I do I find my way back to the God who loves me. There’s a song by Big Daddy Weave that always speaks to my heart. The chorus of “I’ve Just Seen Too Much” is something we can find hope in.
If you ask me how I know, I know He's real
I could believe that He's still with me
In spite of how it feels
If you ask me why I trust Him
When it feels like everything has come undone
All I can tell you is I've just seen too much
Of His kindness, too much
Of His goodness, too much
Of His mercy that always follows me
I've seen too much of His patience
Too much of His faithfulness
I can't believe He's any less
Than all He's been to me
Add comment
Comments