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Psalm 143 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Depression.
An estimated 19 million American adults are living with major depression characterized as a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. As F.B. Meyer writes, “Those capable of the sunny heights are capable of the lowest depths. Memory, meditation, and musing often lead to melancholy.” David was no exception.
So I am ready to give up; I am in deep despair. 5 I remember the days gone by; I think about all that you have done, I bring to mind all your deeds. 6 I lift up my hands to you in prayer; like dry ground my soul is thirsty for you. 7 Answer me now, LORD! I have lost all hope. Don’t hide yourself from me, or I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead.
Psalms 143:4-7 GNB
Depression is kind of a hot topic in Christian circles. The term is fairly broad and used loosely. The fact is, depression can be both an imbalance in the body and/or a feeling dependent on adverse circumstances in one’s life. Though God can “cure” our depression instantly, He often allows us to muddle through… much like David.
Like a boy walking in dark, David bravely moves forward toward God, reaching out his hands and focusing his eyes to try and capture anything from His Father.
Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go. 9 I go to you for protection, LORD; rescue me from my enemies. 10 You are my God; teach me to do your will. Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path. 11 Rescue me, LORD, as you have promised; in your goodness save me from my troubles!
Psalms 143:8-11 GNB
Jesus told us that this world will give us trouble, but He also promised to send us a supernatural peace. I love these words from GotQuestions.org regarding moving forward in our mess…
“Christians are permitted to call trouble for what it is. At the same time, we take heart in God’s care. Taking heart does not mean pasting on a smile or ignoring the feeling of emptiness that depression brings. It does not mean neglecting to treat depression through counseling or medication. It does not mean ignoring the relational hurts or the misperceptions that have led to depression (Satan’s lies, if we believe them, will lead us to despair). It does not mean denying the fact that depression could be a lifelong struggle.
What taking heart does mean is bringing all our pain to God. It does mean continuing to trust in Him. It does mean believing that what He says about Himself and about us is true, even when we don’t feel like it is. It does mean getting the help we need, battling depression rather than giving in to it. We acknowledge the depravity of the world, but we also acknowledge the sufficiency of God.”
GotQuestions.org