Few people have fought their way out of the deep, dark pit of depression better than David and Job did. Each did it without a medical doctor’s prescription!
As you compare the book of Job with Psalms 42 and 43, three valuable tools for victory over depression shine forth brilliantly. They are:
- A tenacious hope in God. Three times David explicitly tells himself: “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him” (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5).
- Brutal honesty in prayer. “Oh my God, my soul is cast down within me…Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me, while they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:9-10).
- A relentless, stubborn faith. “I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (Psalm 42:5). Like Job, David was going to die trusting God (Job 14:14).
Depression is a vicious, mighty, relentless foe. Halfway measures will not defeat it. Inadequate equipment will not overcome it. Without all three of these essential tools for victory, many people—like King Saul and the apostle Judas—never escape the deep, dark pit of depression.
Thanks for all you do for The Lord. I really appreciate the articles you put out and sometimes it gets me back on track when I have busy day are not feeling good.