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Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”
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HOPE IN GOD ALONE
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Depression is a cruel and unfair player when it comes to human emotions. It seems to single us out at the most inconvenient time and cares not for our commitments, schedules or the important things of life. Everyone struggles from time to time with the depression that comes from our inner man.
Many of God’s great warriors fought bouts of depression. The prophet Elijah became so depressed that he found an isolated place, and prayed that he might die saying, “I have had enough, Lord, now take my life…” 1 Kings 19:4
Paul the Apostle often found himself overwhelmed with fear, loneliness and depression to the point that it was necessary that the Lord personally encourage him as seen in Acts 18:9-10a: “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you…'”
Depression is often seated at the core of our soul, but notice how the psalmist begins to overcome his darkness. He begins to preach to himself the truth of God! He knew that in the Lord he could find courage and strength, so he commands himself to look to God. He reminds himself that God alone is his hope. Finally, he galvanizes his heart in the truth that the Lord is his Savior. The next time you find depression creeping in, grab hold of those emotions and say, “My hope is in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior!”
– Pastor Jack
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