THE CURE FOR DEPRESSION.
PSALMS 42 and 43.
These psalms were originally composed as one psalm and later divided into two psalms.
The ‘one title’ covers them both. The sons of Korah were a family of Levitical singers. Korah himself was Levi’s great-grandson. David chose them to lead the music of the Tabernacle tent on Mt. Zion.
Read both psalms in one sitting and read them twice, then you will have a clearer understanding of how David suffered from depression… yet found the joyful remedy for it. In both psalms, the subject almost seems the same. But the most suggestive element is the recurring refrain.
This is my interpretation of it.
“OH MY SOUL, WHY ARE YOU CAST DOWN (depressed) WITHIN ME?
WHY WOULD YOU SINK INTO DEEP DESPAIR?
WAKE UP! GET UP! AND KEEP TRUSTING IN GOD, YOUR SAVIOUR. (Get out of bed)
NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY TO ME, OR WHAT HAPPENS TO ME, I WILL KEEP ON WAITING AND KEEP HOPING IN GOD.
“I WILL PRAISE YOU, O LORD, THROUGH THIS DOWNCAST FEELING OF DESPAIR, AND HOW LOW I FEEL.
YOU, LORD, ARE THE “HEALTH” AND “HELP” OF MY COUNTENANCE AND MY GOD.”
INTERPRETATION.
This refrain comes in the middle of Psl 42, again at the end of this psalm, and yet again at the end of Psalm 43.
The two psalms prescribe a lovely cure for depression. See the Psalmist’s diagnoses:
“cast down” and “disquieted”.
Now see him expose the causes and their symptoms.
Firstly, an interrupted communication with God. See verses 1 and 2.
Secondly, A misunderstanding by others. Verse 3.
Thirdly, an unhealthy brooding over the past. Verse 4.
Now see how he changes his thinking to receive effective treatment and recovery.
He experienced a new determination to “Remember God’s Glory and His Awesome Presence.”
Help is on its way—Verse 5. He still feels weighed down by a heavy burden, calling to mind the Lord his God—Verse 6.
His deep need calls out to God’s deep kindness and love-
Verse 7. It’s like drowning in anxiety!
THE SURE PROMISES OF GOD’S LOVE POUR OVER HIS BROKEN HEART.
He is now beginning to remember GOD’S SYMPATHY, FAITHFULNESS, and HIS DIVINE PRESENCE afresh.
Verse 8. Then he resolves that he will PRAY THE MATTER THROUGH.
Verses 7-9. He keeps reminding himself not to be discouraged or disturbed because God will break through for him.
THEN HE WILL HAVE PLENTY OF REASONS TO PRAISE HIM ALL OVER AGAIN!
For you, dear ones who are at this stage in life, “GOING IN AND OUT OF DEPRESSION” and finding the challenge almost unbearable.
Try not to lash out at people and blame them for your inner conflict, frustration, or irritation.
HOPE IN GOD! Be an open book before Him. Ask Him to change you where you need changing. Remain in CHRIST at all times through all kinds of troubles and inner conflicts.
This is our prescription for inner health.
FEAR GIVES WAY TO HOPE.
SIGHING gives way to SINGING.
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE PLENTY OF REASONS TO PRAISE HIM… OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
If you have a chemical imbalance as a reason for your depression, do not feel guilty or ashamed about taking medication until God heals you.
Find yourself a good Christian doctor who will guide you through these Dark valleys into His Glorious Light.
REMEMBER, GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS…PRAYER!
Prayer for you to pray,
“Dear Father in Heaven.
You know all about me, there is nothing I can hide from you.
I feel hopeless and helpless without you.
I will trust you and not be afraid. Please remove this depression now, in Jesus’name.
Take over my troubled mind and replace my despair with your thoughts of faith and hope.
I now place my situation in your hands and trust you to work all things for my good.
Smile down on me and fill me with the spirit of joy and peace in believing.
My soul will wait on You.
Thank you for lifting all my cares and worries from me.
Now, my Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit and deliver me from the evil one.”
Amen.
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