2 Kings 8:1-9:13 / Acts 16:16-40 / Psalm 143 / Proverbs 17:26
If you’ve ever struggled with depression, you know how hopeless and helpless this state of mind can make you feel. If you have not struggled with depression, you may not understand that one cannot simply “help themselves” out of it. If someone is trapped here, they need help from the Lord and from those around them who are equipped to help.
I have had seasons of depression and seasons where I felt I’ve overcome it. When it was at its worst, I felt there was nothing I could do to escape. This was the time when I knew deep inside me God was still there, so I turned my worship music up louder to drown out the darkness and to bring hope to my burdened soul.
I wish I could say I was suddenly delivered, or that the depression left and never returned. Thankfully, I’m doing well today. Also, thankfully I’ve had the experience of walking through depression because now I’m able to have compassion for and walk with those who are still trying to get free.
I found a powerful key to help as you walk toward freedom. It’s in Psalm 143:7-12. Here’s the text for you to read.
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
What is the powerful key? Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You.
When depression is kicking your butt, you are desperate to hear Truth that will pull you out of the darkness. And it is the unfailing love of God that is powerful enough to pull you out. Even when I couldn’t think straight – even when I was hopeless that life would ever change – I still knew deep in my heart that God was there and that He loved me.
I trusted Him. Since I was helpless, He had to show me where to walk – I certainly couldn’t put two thoughts together to figure that out for myself.
I ran to Him to hide, knowing He would protect me in my weakness. I looked to Him to lead me to a place where my feet could feel firmness again instead of the slippery, fearful place I had existed.
And of course, when we are down, when we are weak, when we see no hope and no way out, our enemies are gloating. But God sees that, and He rescues us! While I can’t say how long the depression may last for you, I can say that God is there, and He wants to lead you out to a firm place. He wants to heal and deliver you. He wants you to be free.
If you’re struggling today or you have in the past, you understand what I’m saying. And I encourage you to look up – He sees. Turn up your worship – He hears. Bow your head in prayer – He knows. He will help you. He will be with you. He will not abandon you in this hard place.
Please reach out and I’d be glad to pray for you. I’m walking free today after much wrestling, so I’d be glad to reach a hand back to grab yours and help you out of that dark place. God is able to deliver you from all fear in Jesus’ Name!
