DAVID’S RESPONSE TO DEEP DEPRESSION
David prayed that the Lord would give a quick answer to his need. For he was in a deep depression. David despaired that God would either wait in answering or even worse, turn away from him. Depression can make even the most committed believer feel that God has forsaken them. Yet, David had learned to pray out his feelings of depression. He did not struggle alone, as depression tempts one to do. But David cried out to the Lord for help.
Those who struggle with depression attest that the pain to the soul is greater than any pain to the body. Charles Spurgeon, that great English preacher of the 19th century, had a life long struggle with depression. In one sermon he said, “You may be surrounded with all the comforts of life and yet be in wretchedness more gloomy than death if the spirits are depressed…Though we may still cling to the Cross, yet it is with a desperate grasp.”
Just as the most faithful believer can have a stomach ache, so they are subject to the occasional bout of depression. It is not a mark of little faith, but of being human. Yet in either physical, mental or emotional trouble, we can turn to the Lord for help.
PRAYER: Dear Father, there are times when even the most joyful among us are beset with a deep depression. Perhaps You allow us times like this to move us to even greater dependence on You. Yet, You are faithful to hear our heart’s cry to help and encourage us. And we await Your joy that comes in the morning. In Jesus’ name, amen.