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. Psalm 42:5
Depression is something that millions of people suffer with every day in America. There are thousands of reasons why people get depressed and often stay in a state of depression for days and even years. Doctors prescribe millions of dollars of medication to help people overcome their depression. Despite the medications, thousands end their life every year over depression because they have no hope in life.
One of the sons of Korah asks himself why he is cast down, depressed. He tells himself to hope in God and praise Him to gain help of His face upon his life.
The world, as a whole, has a reason to be captured in depression. They have no hope beyond what they have in their day-to-day living. There is no reason or purpose in their minds for the troubles that they face each day. It is eat, drink and try to be merry because one will soon die with nothing left.
Sadly, many in the church are also brought down in depression. There is a false belief that once a person becomes a believer, there will be no more problems in life. Yet, life is filled with trouble, as Jesus had promised.
Instead of being depressed and brought down by trouble, believers need to put their hope in God. Life on this earth is just a quick vapor in light of eternity. No trouble is very long compared to eternity in heaven.
Jesus died on the cross to remove sins and give life, abundant and eternal life. As the believer puts hope in God and begins to give Him praise, the troubles of this life will begin to appear small and insignificant.
You may or may not deal with severe depression, but most likely you have it from time to time. The problems of life overcome your mind and get your focus off of God, losing all hope.
As you face problems in life, put your eyes on God and all of your hope in Him and His promises. There is nothing that you will face that God cannot help you overcome and bring you through. Begin to give Him praise for who He is and what He has already done in your life and don’t be depressed.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will put all of your hope in God; that you will trust God’s plan for your life; and that you will see God’s hand of strength, joy and mercy in your life each day.
Picture by Nikko Macaspac on Unsplash