What Does The Bible Say About Depression. Psalm 42:11

We all have times of discouragement.  In our struggle with discouragement, we turn to programs, pills, education, government, or something else, and it leaves us as depressed as before.

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11, NIV.

AN AUTHORITY
The author of this verse experienced deep depression. He uses words like downcast,” meaning not able to look up. He is “disturbed,” meaning his peace was taken away. He had experience with the deep darkness of depression.

HOPE
The deepest problems of our hearts are often answered by the simplest truths. “Put your hope in God,” not in money, government, programs, relationships, or education. Hope looks forward in faith and trust. One may say it is faith. We must actively trust God and not spend our time feeling sorry for ourselves.

We can put this into practice by:
     * Meditating on His Love.
     * Drawing close to God through His Word.
     * Review the promises He gives.
     * Remember, He knows your inner need.
     * Remember, He made you and understands you.
     * Express to God in prayer that you put your hope in Him.

FOCUS
When we focus on God and not on our problems, we begin to find healing and take the first steps to lasting peace. Hope in God will lead to praise; like the verse says, “I will yet praise him.” - there is a future beyond this trouble, and this sorrow is not all there is.

SAVIOR
God is our “Savior.” We are not saved from our sins by an angel or any created person or thing, and our own actions will not save us- instead, we are saved by faith in God, our Savior. God wants us to know the joy of salvation. Out of love, God sent his Son to die for our sins, so if we trust Jesus, He will be our Savior. Whatever depression, defeat, or sorrow you carry. I encourage you to "put your hope in God." Bring your grief to God in prayer, and keep praying until you can start to praise him and continue to praise him.

If you need to learn more about how God can be your savior, see my other blog: Click Here.

A Prayer.
Psalm 42:11.
Heavenly Father, You are the God of joy.
You deserve my total service and worship,
but sometimes I get so down and discouraged,
Where I feel depressed and in a dark place.
I know You made me for a better purpose.
You want me to experience joy and salvation.
I know you love me; you see me and understand.
Pardon my sin of selfishness with this life.
Forgive me for withholding worship and praise.
Turn my heart to You and away from self-pity.
I put my hope in You alone for victory.
I accept Your wise and good purpose for me.
I receive Your love and forgiveness through Jesus.
Give me a lifestyle of worship and joy.
Thank You, Father, for these wonderful blessings.

© Adron 1/3/10

Why is the Bible so dull to me? Jeremiah 15:16

The Bible should be a Christian's joy and heart's delight. Why isn't it?

"When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God almighty." Jeremiah 15:16, NIV.

JEREMIAH
The prophet Jeremiah had a hard time.  The prophecies God gave him were dire and complex, and many times the Word that came to him was bad news for the nation.  Yet he says, "When your words came, I ate them," though the "word" was difficult, hard, and condemning, he treasured it.

THE WORD
The Word of God does not come to us like it did for him, but we have the Bible as God's complete Word.

EAT
Who can say that when God speaks to them through the Bible that they eat it?  The prophet says, "I ate them," he consumed it; it was nourishment for him.  The Bible is spiritual, so it nourishes your soul.  You need to absorb as much of it as possible to stay fit spiritually.

To eat the Word is to give it time and effort. When something is a "joy and a heart's delight," it is something you like thinking about all the time.

We should

• Give God's Word a selected time every day.
• Take ample time to spend in the Word.
• Value the scriptures.
• Repent of sins that deafen you to the Word.
• Resolve to obey the instructions of the Bible.
• Allow the Bible to to get into you- have an effect.
• Meditate on the Word of the Lord.

A DELIGHT
The reason was that the Word was his joy and heart's delight is that he bears the Lord's name.  He carried the name of the Lord before the people and stood up for God's interest.  When the Word came to him, no matter its content, it was a blessing to him since he was serving God.  He loves the Lord. Therefore, he loves the words that come from the Almighty.  Without the Word of God, he could not bear the name.

BEAR THE NAME
The Word stops being a blessing when you fail to bear the name of the Lord before your community and friends.  When you stand for the Lord, His Word becomes effective in your life and becomes sweeter.  Service to the Father and the Word go hand in hand. You cannot be blessed in one without the other.

Think of it as obedience.  If you are not obeying His Word, you will not be blessed by His Word.

May you be blessed as you resolve to obey God's Word and to bear the name of the Lord before men.

If you have not received salvation and are ready to come to Jesus, see my other blog; follow this link: click here.

© Adron 10/3/09