Talk to Yourself

Mass shootings. Political debates. Family and friends suffering loss. Unfavorable doctor’s diagnosis. It can be overwhelming and depression can stand at the door and knock loudly and aggressively.

This past spring, for a little while, I lost sight of who I was in God. I allowed the cares of this world to speak louder than the peace of God. I allowed others to define me. I opened the door for depression.

I think King David struggled with depression as well. (For 30 chapters, David yearned for God in the midst of distress). But David learned to talk with his soul.

If we are allowing the cares of this world, our fears, life’s uncertainties to speak louder than God’s peace, it’s time we too, have a discussion with our soul.

David asked, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?”

But he didn’t list all of the reason he had a right to be sad. He immediately took his eyes off of himself and off of his problems and put his eyes on God, where they belonged.

In his next breath, David declared, “I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!”

So how do we overcome depression? Take our eyes off of our circumstances. Stop looking inward. Look at God.

My desire lately, is just to sing of and meditate on God’s goodness, His majesty, His supremacy.

If you are struggling with depression (or even if you are not), join me in meditating on these truths:

The Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods (Psalm 95:3)

He is good. His mercy endures forever. (I Chronicles 16:34)

He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalms 107:9)

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. (I Chronicles 29:11)

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. (Psalms 93:1)

He rules over all the kingdoms of the nations. In His hands are power and might, so that none is able to withstand him. (II Chronicles 20:6)

God is an everlasting Rock (Isaiah 26:4)

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with signing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

All things are possible with God. (Matthew 19:26)

God is Love. (I John 4:16)

He loves us with an everlasting love. He draws us with his unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Speak to your soul today and remind it of the goodness of God!

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalms‬ ‭42:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬