Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him,
my Savior and my God.
I am deeply depressed;
therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan
and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.
The Lord will send his faithful love by day;
his song will be with me in the night—
a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42:5-8 (CSB)
When the waves of depression, isolation, anxiety, or the like come crashing over you, it seems as though you’ll be lost forever. It seems as though you’ll drown in the darkness, as though no one can see you, hear you, know your deepest aches let alone a God who seems far away.
But there’s something about music that makes the heart finds its home again, and perhaps that’s what the psalmist found to be in this passage. He wasn’t singing out of joy but out of need, out of desperation. So, speak truth to yourself, preach truth to yourself, sing truth to yourself — even if you can’t seem to believe it, even if it doesn’t seem real or possible. God is still your God, and He can handle and carry all the impossibilities of your life.
Speak truth to yourself, preach truth to yourself, sing truth to yourself -- even if you can't seem to believe it, even if it doesn't seem real or possible. Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
In Courage,
British poet William Congreve wrote; “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast. I truly believe that. After putting aging dad back in ‘geriatric psych’ unit again day before my 52nd birthday I couldn’t take it. The next morning I took my computer into dining room & click on you tube Stephen C. Chapman. I danced & sang in my kitchen to the likes of “Let us Pray”, “Dive”, “Do Everything” & other fast tunes. For the time I was able to praise God & forget about my troubles. It helped me overcome an anxious time & relax in the knowledge that God’s got this. We can get depressed or anxious easily these days. With our hectic paces it can be so simple to forget about God. Everyone should take some time in a day & just read the Bible, another Christian book or simply turn on Christian music & really listen to the words. Sing them out loud to God. It will calm those nerves & give you a sense of peace.
Blessings 🙂
Good morning, I deeply need this this morning after a bad 3 Fridays at work. Being rejected for my kindness, scolded in front of my coworkers for doing what’s right. I can’t sleep and the negative words being played in my head all weekend. I will think about the peace that God gives.
Kami, I walked through a season of harassment at work much like you have described. I wondered why God didn’t rescue me. Instead, my faith was strengthened. I learned the character of God when he eventually gave me a new opportunity, making less money but still providing for me. For the first time in my adult life I am able to attend Women’s Bible study in the mornings. One of the most important things I learned was that God sees me and knows all of my needs. You are right, he gives us that indescribable peace despite our circumstance. I will pray for you.
(in)courage friends,
Sadly, I know the depths of depression and anxiety. I know what it is like to be stuck in the pit – unable to climb out on my own. Praise be to God who lifted me out of the muck and mire and gave me a firm place to stand. (For me medicine was needed). God works through His Word, counselors, doctors, and fellow believers. I’m living proof. Lately, this song by Hillsong Worship has been speaking to me…”No One But You” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo5uf4-WCdE If you are suffering, I’m praying for you. With God ALL things are possible.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Just what I needed this morning! Thanks so much!
Thank you, ladies! These are wise words to remember when we’re drowning in whatever the world has to offer us.
Way back several years ago, my father was very ill with cancer & my 19 year old son had his left eye completely destroyed by an achoholic . I bought the McCammey’s CD of “The God of the Mountain is the God in the Valley”.. I sang along with my tears. It was a tough time; but God gave me strength!
I needed this today. My daughter just turned ten. We, my son and I, live in beautiful Kansas (it really is), but she is living in Pennsylvania with my brother and his family to “keep her safe” from my son. Nobody cares if her claims (all non-sexual) are true. She’s benefitting and so she’s staying, and I’d better not show any negative emotions because it’s “not about you, Deborah, it’s about her.” I was ok this morning and then I told my friend how my family has been saying that to me, and how I don’t call the shots anymore, and it messed up my day. I think I’ll put some music on. Thank you very much.
This is lovely! I want that verse & image printed and framed for my bedroom! The worst times seem to hit at night.
I also needed this very much this morning as I face many challenges while suffering from deep depression/anxiety. Before reading these encouraging words I had already listened to and sang along with a beautiful worship song in tears this morning that a friend sent to me. Thank you very much and the Lord bless you all!