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Over the last couple of years, depression has come up either in conversation; or I've seen it on the bookracks. Self help books can be found everywhere.

Depression is one of the ugliest, most vicious attacks on man Satan ever devised. He's no respecter of persons. He cares not whether the person is male, female, adult, or child. As the believer well knows, he comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

Depression has destroyed many families. In this week alone, I've been touched by three incidents of depression. A friend was battling against cancer, a young father committed suicide, a teen admitted to a hospital to be treated for depression. In these cases each knew the feeling of hopelessness, yet two are practicing Christians. 

Today our youth face more obstacles than ever before. Drugs, alcohol, sex, just to name a few are prevalent in College and High Schools, but it doesn't stop there. It has now filtered down to Junior High. Our children are facing at a much younger age, the cares of the world. Families torn apart from divorce and many of the children blame themselves.

Reading Psalms 143 we see David crying out to God. I can almost sense his emotions soar as he implores God to hear him speedily. He asks for deliverance from his enemies. This sounds like a man in much turmoil, but he knows who to go to in times of trouble. Psalms 143:11,12 Quicken me, O Lord, for they name's sake; for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul; for I am thy servant. KJV

Let's not stop reading, because in chapter 145 things begin to change. What made the difference for David? He began to praise God. He took his eyes off of the problem, and beheld the problem solver. He centered his heart on the Lord, and began to speak boldly his praises. Suddenly the spirit of fear and depression had to leave.

David didn't stop there, His praises continued on all the way through Psalm 150. I believe he began to realize how much of God's love, mercy and grace had been poured out on him, and depression absolutely could not stay.

Now let's deal with the emotions. Some days you may not feel like praising God when things seem bleak and dark. We have been instructed by God to praise. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. He didn't tell us to praise him out of his need. It's because of our need. Praise brings results. The more we praise the Lord, the more it stirs our spirit man. We then realize just how much we have to be thankful for. How could we possibly stay bowed down?

Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Verse 6 This poor man cried and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. KJV

Instead of following your emotions, why not get "in motion?" Psalm 27: 5, 6 David sought the Lord; and again we find he spoke in faith. This is what he said, "For in time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises unto the Lord."

Come out of the depths of darkness; and back to the glorious light. There is hope in the Lord.

Copyright 2003 by Marie Williams