“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
Photo provided by Kassidy Mitchell
Do you ever talk to yourself? Sometimes it helps. In the
scripture above, David did just that, talking to his own soul or inner man.
Sometimes it is not enough, though. We may need the strength
of another. Even the strongest among us are not capable of picking ourselves up
by our own bootstraps, but I know someone who can pick us up when we’re down.
His name is Jesus.
The thing about depression is that sometimes we don’t always
really know exactly what causes it. Some of the listed causes include: abuse,
medications, conflict, death, a loss, genetics, major events (even some of the
good ones), personal problems, serious illnesses, and substance abuse.[i]
Though I am not trained in psychology, psychiatry, or
medicine, I can attest to the verity of many of these causes for I have seen
some of them up close and personal. I experienced some depression of my
own for awhile while living where there was less sunshine.
So, I know there are various causes. Multiple things can
sometimes work together to bring one down in the dumps. Sometimes there
may be no known explanation.
As depression feeds on itself, we might become depressed
over our own depression.
Though it may not be popular or accepted among professionals,
I know that sin in our lives can cause us to be despondent. In
some cases, this may be the main culprit. If we are not walking in obedience
with God, something deep inside our spirits will nag at us, telling us that
something is out of balance – just not right.[ii]
For the sake of this article, let us just talk about the
depression that is just caused by, well, life – bills to pay, difficult people,
disappointments and unfulfilled dreams. In other words; bad news got you down?
How about we counter the bad news with some good news?
Through praise and thanksgiving, God can lift up our
countenance. He will lift up the hands which hang down, strengthen our feeble
knees, make straight paths for our feet and provide healing for our troubled
souls.[iii]
No wonder David said; “At midnight I will rise to give
thanks to you.” Most of us have had those midnights, those dark hours, those
troubling thoughts in the evening. What a wonderful opportunity to rise up in
thanksgiving to God. He can take our depression and turn it into victory!
[ii] Again, this is
not to say that all depression is caused by sin. Guilt for wrong is strong
enough to bring us
down without adding more guilt for feeling depressed.
down without adding more guilt for feeling depressed.
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