God gives the desolate a home to dwell in: he leads out the prisoners to prosperity…
God makes homes for the homeless, leads prisoners to freedom…
Oh, the lies of depression. “You are weak and foolish. Nobody loves you. Depression is the truth and your times of happiness and success were lies.” This verse doesn’t argue that. This verse says, “I know.” The word desolate is powerful:
-disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one
-showing the effects of abandonment and neglect
-devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope
Sounds like a diagnosis. I am separated from my soul. I treated my soul with abandonment and neglect. I am without hope. This desperate situation leaves me truly open to God’s love and grace.
Lord, only you can bring my soul home to me. Only you can lead me out of this prison of depression. Show me the way, and grant me the grace to follow your way. Amen.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Psalm 67:3
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
God, let people thank and enjoy you. Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Like Psalm 65, this verse reminds me of worship. Even in wellness, there are times it’s difficult to get to church. I could be tired or discouraged or sad or angry. When I get there, the service takes off and the joy of those around me sweeps me along. There is a familiar flow to it that makes it both automatic and heartfelt at the same time. Despite the hopelessness of depression I’m reminded of the times I’ve praised God in thankfulness and gain confidence that I will again. It can be too easy to hide away from your congregation. Go to church. Sit in silence or in tears. Offer what you can. Praise God with your presence and your open heart.
Lord, it’s so easy to seclude myself in depression. Lead me to my congregation and let their worship fill me with hope in the future you have planned for me. Amen.
God, let people thank and enjoy you. Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Like Psalm 65, this verse reminds me of worship. Even in wellness, there are times it’s difficult to get to church. I could be tired or discouraged or sad or angry. When I get there, the service takes off and the joy of those around me sweeps me along. There is a familiar flow to it that makes it both automatic and heartfelt at the same time. Despite the hopelessness of depression I’m reminded of the times I’ve praised God in thankfulness and gain confidence that I will again. It can be too easy to hide away from your congregation. Go to church. Sit in silence or in tears. Offer what you can. Praise God with your presence and your open heart.
Lord, it’s so easy to seclude myself in depression. Lead me to my congregation and let their worship fill me with hope in the future you have planned for me. Amen.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Psalm 66:10
For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.
He trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires.
How is silver tried? Merriam-Webster defines try as “to melt down and procure in a pure state” and refine as “to free from impurities or unwanted material.” I think of the lies of depression. Depression exaggerates the impurities that have always been part of me. I am forced to give some of them up, and learn how unnecessary and even harmful they are. I am learning to discern God‘s voice from my own. And don’t forget “he trained us first.“ I am not facing this illness unarmed. I am armed with faith that God can use any trial for good. Healing is bringing me closer to my pure state.
Lord, in depression I only see the fires as Hell. Open my eyes to the way you use this illness to refine me, bringing me closer to my pure state: your creation living life to your glory. Amen.
He trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires.
How is silver tried? Merriam-Webster defines try as “to melt down and procure in a pure state” and refine as “to free from impurities or unwanted material.” I think of the lies of depression. Depression exaggerates the impurities that have always been part of me. I am forced to give some of them up, and learn how unnecessary and even harmful they are. I am learning to discern God‘s voice from my own. And don’t forget “he trained us first.“ I am not facing this illness unarmed. I am armed with faith that God can use any trial for good. Healing is bringing me closer to my pure state.
Lord, in depression I only see the fires as Hell. Open my eyes to the way you use this illness to refine me, bringing me closer to my pure state: your creation living life to your glory. Amen.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Psalm 65:4
Blessed is he whom you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple!
Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place! We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse.
When I first read this verse, it reminded me of worship because I think of God’s house as church. In depression it’s so hard to get to church. Going to church involves a thousand small steps that I take for granted when I’m well. I accomplish these steps primarily because of my children. But once I get there, it’s all for me. In church, the worship goes on with or without my participation. It reminds me that life goes on, health goes on, joy goes on. This verse says it is no accident to find myself in church. It’s not to my credit, either. I go to church because God has blessed and chosen me to be satisfied with the goodness that can only be found worshiping in church.
Lord, thank-you for the blessing of being chosen as a guest in your house. Let me go to church expecting to be satisfied. Amen.
Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place! We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse.
When I first read this verse, it reminded me of worship because I think of God’s house as church. In depression it’s so hard to get to church. Going to church involves a thousand small steps that I take for granted when I’m well. I accomplish these steps primarily because of my children. But once I get there, it’s all for me. In church, the worship goes on with or without my participation. It reminds me that life goes on, health goes on, joy goes on. This verse says it is no accident to find myself in church. It’s not to my credit, either. I go to church because God has blessed and chosen me to be satisfied with the goodness that can only be found worshiping in church.
Lord, thank-you for the blessing of being chosen as a guest in your house. Let me go to church expecting to be satisfied. Amen.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Psalm 64:1
Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy...
Listen and help, O God, I'm reduced to a whine and a whimper, obsessed with feelings of doomsday.
I am a person full of words. I am never at a loss for words. In this depression, however, I have trouble processing both what I say and what is being said to me. I feel surprised that the world is going on around me, and confused by it all. I'm not myself anymore, and I'm convinced that I never will be again. This psalm reassures me that my prayer does not have to be full of perfect words, like a Supreme Court case. I can offer my whines and whimpers and feelings of doomsday to God. They are all I have right now. I can offer them to God and he will hear them and understand them.
Lord, I'm not able to think of the right words. Fill me with the reassurance that I don't need to. You have provided the words for me in the Psalms. Open my heart to their comfort and healing. Amen.
Listen and help, O God, I'm reduced to a whine and a whimper, obsessed with feelings of doomsday.
I am a person full of words. I am never at a loss for words. In this depression, however, I have trouble processing both what I say and what is being said to me. I feel surprised that the world is going on around me, and confused by it all. I'm not myself anymore, and I'm convinced that I never will be again. This psalm reassures me that my prayer does not have to be full of perfect words, like a Supreme Court case. I can offer my whines and whimpers and feelings of doomsday to God. They are all I have right now. I can offer them to God and he will hear them and understand them.
Lord, I'm not able to think of the right words. Fill me with the reassurance that I don't need to. You have provided the words for me in the Psalms. Open my heart to their comfort and healing. Amen.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Psalm 63:8
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.
In Psalm 62 I imagined my soul hibernating. Now I add the image of my soul clinging to God in this hibernation. How do I picture my soul? I see my physical self holding on to God for dear life. I see myself holding on to God, in my mind the traditional picture of Jesus, for dear life, and He is holding me steady. This depression will not move me away from who I am, for Jesus is holding me steady. I can add this to my image from Psalm 23. I can call on these images in the face of feeling that my soul is lost forever to depression.
Lord, help me to visualize you holding me steady. Let these image help my soul cling to you. Lead me to trust this image over the feelings of depression. Amen.
I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.
In Psalm 62 I imagined my soul hibernating. Now I add the image of my soul clinging to God in this hibernation. How do I picture my soul? I see my physical self holding on to God for dear life. I see myself holding on to God, in my mind the traditional picture of Jesus, for dear life, and He is holding me steady. This depression will not move me away from who I am, for Jesus is holding me steady. I can add this to my image from Psalm 23. I can call on these images in the face of feeling that my soul is lost forever to depression.
Lord, help me to visualize you holding me steady. Let these image help my soul cling to you. Lead me to trust this image over the feelings of depression. Amen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Psalm 62:1
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
God, the one and only- I'll wait as long as he says.
In depression it feels as if I have no soul. This verse tells me that my soul is not lost, it is waiting in silence. What hope this gives me! There's a huge difference between a lost soul and a silent soul. It reminds me of when I get the flu, and the only thing to do is go to bed and rest. My soul is resting. Doesn't that sound healing? I can think of my soul as hibernating, so that it will be strong and unharmed when this depression lifts. My soul will wait as long as God says. That's a frustrating thought, but it also adds to the sense that my soul is sheltered from depression.
Lord, thank you for sheltering my soul during depression. Let this be reassuring to me. Help me to wait and hope for the salvation that only you offer. Bless all my efforts toward healing. Amen.
God, the one and only- I'll wait as long as he says.
In depression it feels as if I have no soul. This verse tells me that my soul is not lost, it is waiting in silence. What hope this gives me! There's a huge difference between a lost soul and a silent soul. It reminds me of when I get the flu, and the only thing to do is go to bed and rest. My soul is resting. Doesn't that sound healing? I can think of my soul as hibernating, so that it will be strong and unharmed when this depression lifts. My soul will wait as long as God says. That's a frustrating thought, but it also adds to the sense that my soul is sheltered from depression.
Lord, thank you for sheltering my soul during depression. Let this be reassuring to me. Help me to wait and hope for the salvation that only you offer. Bless all my efforts toward healing. Amen.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Psalm 61:5
For you, O God, hast heard my vows, you have given me the heritage of those who fear thy name.
You've always taken me seriously, God, made me welcome among those who know and love you.
My study Bible says this psalm is divided into 4 parts: the cry for help, the expression of trust, the prayer for the king, and the vow. This verse is an expression of trust. Depression may tell me that God does not hear me, but this verse encourages me to trust, to rely on God's grace and the hope that this illness will end. This verse says I am grouped with people who know and love God! Assume this is true. Trust that God hears you. Trust that God welcomes you among those who know and love Him. Trust that you belong in that company.
Lord, in depression I put my trust in lies. Open my heart to the trust I have in you, even if it feels weak or nonexistent. Build on that trust, so I can know and love you more. Amen.
You've always taken me seriously, God, made me welcome among those who know and love you.
My study Bible says this psalm is divided into 4 parts: the cry for help, the expression of trust, the prayer for the king, and the vow. This verse is an expression of trust. Depression may tell me that God does not hear me, but this verse encourages me to trust, to rely on God's grace and the hope that this illness will end. This verse says I am grouped with people who know and love God! Assume this is true. Trust that God hears you. Trust that God welcomes you among those who know and love Him. Trust that you belong in that company.
Lord, in depression I put my trust in lies. Open my heart to the trust I have in you, even if it feels weak or nonexistent. Build on that trust, so I can know and love you more. Amen.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Psalm 60:12
With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.
In God we'll do our very best; he'll flatten the opposition for good.
In depression the ordinary activities seem so important. When I wake up I am determined to get up and live my life by performing the ordinary tasks of the day. Then at night I make an accusing list of what I didn't do. I need to recite this verse when I start measuring my day, my illness, my recovery. God is guiding me toward wellness. "Valiantly" means "carried out with courage and determination." Trust that the day's activities were enough. Trust that your God-given courage and determination were enough. Trust that you are enough.
Lord, let me give up measuring myself. Give me the grace to recognize the courage and determination you have given me, and to know that, in your eyes, I am enough. Amen.
In God we'll do our very best; he'll flatten the opposition for good.
In depression the ordinary activities seem so important. When I wake up I am determined to get up and live my life by performing the ordinary tasks of the day. Then at night I make an accusing list of what I didn't do. I need to recite this verse when I start measuring my day, my illness, my recovery. God is guiding me toward wellness. "Valiantly" means "carried out with courage and determination." Trust that the day's activities were enough. Trust that your God-given courage and determination were enough. Trust that you are enough.
Lord, let me give up measuring myself. Give me the grace to recognize the courage and determination you have given me, and to know that, in your eyes, I am enough. Amen.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Psalm 59:17
O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.
Strong God, I'm watching you do it, I can always count on you- God, my dependable love.
Depression makes me think about strength. The ailment itself seems like a weakness. I doubt that I am strong enough to survive depression, much less recover from it. This psalm stops those thoughts in their tracks. God is my strength. Not only does he provide strength, but he also protects me as a fortress and provides never-changing love. Surely that will get me through the activities and decisions of today. Confidently call on God as "My strength." Praise God right now for the strength, protection, and love he has shown you today. Alleluia!
Lord, fill me with praise for the strength you provide; the strength that you have provided throughout my life. Alleluia! Amen.
Strong God, I'm watching you do it, I can always count on you- God, my dependable love.
Depression makes me think about strength. The ailment itself seems like a weakness. I doubt that I am strong enough to survive depression, much less recover from it. This psalm stops those thoughts in their tracks. God is my strength. Not only does he provide strength, but he also protects me as a fortress and provides never-changing love. Surely that will get me through the activities and decisions of today. Confidently call on God as "My strength." Praise God right now for the strength, protection, and love he has shown you today. Alleluia!
Lord, fill me with praise for the strength you provide; the strength that you have provided throughout my life. Alleluia! Amen.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Psalm 58:11
People will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth."
"It's worth it to play by the rules! God's handing out trophies and tending the earth!"
Depression may say that you are not righteous, but that is a lie. You are righteous. You don't need to be afraid of God's judgment, or see depression as his judgment. You are "free from guilt or sin" because of Jesus' death and resurrection. You are righteous. That closes the discussion on issues of what you do or do not deserve. The judgments of depression are harsh and untrue. God has judged you and found you to be his good creation, deserving of his grace. Dwell on this: "I am God's good creation, deserving of his grace."
Lord, fill me with confidence that you have judged me as righteous and deserving of your grace. Help me to replace my own judgments with your merciful grace. Amen.
"It's worth it to play by the rules! God's handing out trophies and tending the earth!"
Depression may say that you are not righteous, but that is a lie. You are righteous. You don't need to be afraid of God's judgment, or see depression as his judgment. You are "free from guilt or sin" because of Jesus' death and resurrection. You are righteous. That closes the discussion on issues of what you do or do not deserve. The judgments of depression are harsh and untrue. God has judged you and found you to be his good creation, deserving of his grace. Dwell on this: "I am God's good creation, deserving of his grace."
Lord, fill me with confidence that you have judged me as righteous and deserving of your grace. Help me to replace my own judgments with your merciful grace. Amen.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Psalm 57:2
I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
I call out to High God, the God who holds me together.
Depression has sapped my confidence. I question my ability to take care of my family and do my job. A measure of wellness has become how confident I am in my ability to do God's will. This psalm answers that doubt. God has a purpose for me and this depression is not going to prevent him from making it happen. Fulfill means "to convert into reality." His purpose for me will become reality in spite of depression or even through this depression. The doubts that depression has raised may lead me to knowing God's purpose for me.
Lord, the psalms remind me over and over again that you are working for my good. Lead me to wellness so that your purpose for me can become a reality. Amen.
I call out to High God, the God who holds me together.
Depression has sapped my confidence. I question my ability to take care of my family and do my job. A measure of wellness has become how confident I am in my ability to do God's will. This psalm answers that doubt. God has a purpose for me and this depression is not going to prevent him from making it happen. Fulfill means "to convert into reality." His purpose for me will become reality in spite of depression or even through this depression. The doubts that depression has raised may lead me to knowing God's purpose for me.
Lord, the psalms remind me over and over again that you are working for my good. Lead me to wellness so that your purpose for me can become a reality. Amen.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Psalm 56:3
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?
I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do?
Depression fills us with doubt. Depression has made me doubt God's presence in my life and my ability to survive. I want to believe this psalm with all my heart. I pray God's word because it comforts me. I trust God because I know my recovery is coming from him. I am not afraid because the doubt is part of the disease. This depression does not define me. Dwell on this psalm. Recite it over and over. Trust in your future because you are in God's loving care. What a perfect response to all the lies of depression!
Lord, I praise you for reaching me through this disease. Let these words comfort me. This illness cannot destroy me because I am in your loving care. Amen.
I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do?
Depression fills us with doubt. Depression has made me doubt God's presence in my life and my ability to survive. I want to believe this psalm with all my heart. I pray God's word because it comforts me. I trust God because I know my recovery is coming from him. I am not afraid because the doubt is part of the disease. This depression does not define me. Dwell on this psalm. Recite it over and over. Trust in your future because you are in God's loving care. What a perfect response to all the lies of depression!
Lord, I praise you for reaching me through this disease. Let these words comfort me. This illness cannot destroy me because I am in your loving care. Amen.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Psalm 55:4
My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
My insides are turned inside out; specters of death have me down.
One aspect of depression may be suicidal thoughts. Sometimes in depression the thought of death does not fill us with terror. This psalm tells me that death should fill me with terror. God created me and his desire is for me to live. Suicidal thoughts are specters of death. A specter is "something that haunts or perturbs the mind." Suicidal thoughts are part of depression, part of the disease. They are not part of God's presence and guidance. God is leading you to health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, answer them with Psalm 54: "The Lord is the upholder of my life."
Lord, suicidal thoughts come from the disease of depression. Keep me strong against those thoughts knowing that your will for me is a healthy life. Continue to uphold my life. Amen.
My insides are turned inside out; specters of death have me down.
One aspect of depression may be suicidal thoughts. Sometimes in depression the thought of death does not fill us with terror. This psalm tells me that death should fill me with terror. God created me and his desire is for me to live. Suicidal thoughts are specters of death. A specter is "something that haunts or perturbs the mind." Suicidal thoughts are part of depression, part of the disease. They are not part of God's presence and guidance. God is leading you to health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, answer them with Psalm 54: "The Lord is the upholder of my life."
Lord, suicidal thoughts come from the disease of depression. Keep me strong against those thoughts knowing that your will for me is a healthy life. Continue to uphold my life. Amen.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Psalm 54:4
But surely, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
Oh, look! God's right here helping! God's on my side.
Here, again, is confidence in the wisdom of seeking God. When I seek God I see his presence in my life, upholding my life, helping. One definition of uphold is "to support against an opponent." Yes, God is with you supporting you against depression. Think of the signs of God's presence in your life. Give thanks for the people and circumstances that are helping you. Be confident that any strength and healing you have experienced shows that God is supporting you against depression. When depression tells you that God is not with you, answer that thought with this psalm.
Lord, open my heart with confidence that these words are true in my life. Fill me with thoughts of how you have upheld me during this depression. Let the psalmist's confidence be my confidence. Amen.
Oh, look! God's right here helping! God's on my side.
Here, again, is confidence in the wisdom of seeking God. When I seek God I see his presence in my life, upholding my life, helping. One definition of uphold is "to support against an opponent." Yes, God is with you supporting you against depression. Think of the signs of God's presence in your life. Give thanks for the people and circumstances that are helping you. Be confident that any strength and healing you have experienced shows that God is supporting you against depression. When depression tells you that God is not with you, answer that thought with this psalm.
Lord, open my heart with confidence that these words are true in my life. Fill me with thoughts of how you have upheld me during this depression. Let the psalmist's confidence be my confidence. Amen.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Psalm 53:2
God looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.
God sticks his head out of heaven. He looks around. He's looking for someone not stupid- one man, even, God-expectant, just one God-ready woman.
You are wise. Depression may tell you that you've made the wrong decisions, but you've always done the best you could. Depression may tell you that you can't figure anything out, but depression makes it very difficult to figure things out. That's why it's so important to have people to help you find your way through this. Keep using those people God has put into your life. Keep walking and taking care of yourself. Most importantly, keep seeking God's comfort and guidance. In all of the confusion of depression, know that seeking after God shows your wisdom.
Lord, help me trust the wisdom of seeking your comfort and guidance. Help me see your guidance in my decisions. Lead me out of depression. Amen.
God sticks his head out of heaven. He looks around. He's looking for someone not stupid- one man, even, God-expectant, just one God-ready woman.
You are wise. Depression may tell you that you've made the wrong decisions, but you've always done the best you could. Depression may tell you that you can't figure anything out, but depression makes it very difficult to figure things out. That's why it's so important to have people to help you find your way through this. Keep using those people God has put into your life. Keep walking and taking care of yourself. Most importantly, keep seeking God's comfort and guidance. In all of the confusion of depression, know that seeking after God shows your wisdom.
Lord, help me trust the wisdom of seeking your comfort and guidance. Help me see your guidance in my decisions. Lead me out of depression. Amen.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Psalm 52:8
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.
And I'm an olive tree, growing green in God's house. I trusted in the generous mercy of God then and now.
When I was content with my life, I trusted that all my blessings were due to God's generous mercy. During this depression, I have struggled to trust in his mercy. I don't feel deserving of the love and care shown to me by my family and friends. I don't feel confident in my professional care and the choices I have made. Even the simple choices, like eating and walking every day, have become a struggle. Where is God's mercy when I'm still sick? This verse tells us to trust in God's mercy no matter what our circumstance. God's mercy is in my life this very day.
Lord, you are the source of steadfast love and generous mercy. It is your intention that I experience these from you during times of contentment as well as times of difficulty. Let me experience the comfort of your love and mercy as I recover from depression. Amen.
And I'm an olive tree, growing green in God's house. I trusted in the generous mercy of God then and now.
When I was content with my life, I trusted that all my blessings were due to God's generous mercy. During this depression, I have struggled to trust in his mercy. I don't feel deserving of the love and care shown to me by my family and friends. I don't feel confident in my professional care and the choices I have made. Even the simple choices, like eating and walking every day, have become a struggle. Where is God's mercy when I'm still sick? This verse tells us to trust in God's mercy no matter what our circumstance. God's mercy is in my life this very day.
Lord, you are the source of steadfast love and generous mercy. It is your intention that I experience these from you during times of contentment as well as times of difficulty. Let me experience the comfort of your love and mercy as I recover from depression. Amen.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Psalm 51:6
You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.
Depression is a disease of lies. Some of the lies are old, from your days before depression. Some of the lies were conceived with the depression. Either way, recovery from depression includes replacing the lies with truth. God wants you filled with the truth, and only the truth. The truth and wisdom God teaches is of your worth and value. You are his creation, and that means you are good. You are his child and he delights in you. He wants you to experience the truth of his delight. God intends for you to recover from this depression and to live the truth of who you are.
Lord, you are truth. Let your word and your presence comfort me in this depression and bring me to recovery filled with the truth of your love and delight for me. Amen.
What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.
Depression is a disease of lies. Some of the lies are old, from your days before depression. Some of the lies were conceived with the depression. Either way, recovery from depression includes replacing the lies with truth. God wants you filled with the truth, and only the truth. The truth and wisdom God teaches is of your worth and value. You are his creation, and that means you are good. You are his child and he delights in you. He wants you to experience the truth of his delight. God intends for you to recover from this depression and to live the truth of who you are.
Lord, you are truth. Let your word and your presence comfort me in this depression and bring me to recovery filled with the truth of your love and delight for me. Amen.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Psalm 50:15
Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
And call for help when you're in trouble- I'll help you, and you'll honor me.
Deliver means "to set free." I want to be set free from this depression so that I can be myself. It's good to want that because it means that I know this depressed me isn't the real me. God knows this, too, because he is my creator. The psalmist is so confident in God's love that he writes this psalm from God's point of view. Let's assume this to be true today. How has God delivered you today? How have you glorified him? Any step you take toward your recovery shows God's deliverance and glorifies him. Your faith, even if mustard seed-sized, shows God's deliverance and glorifies him.
Lord, thank you for the faith to keep calling on you. Open my heart to your deliverance. Let me glorify you today. Amen.
And call for help when you're in trouble- I'll help you, and you'll honor me.
Deliver means "to set free." I want to be set free from this depression so that I can be myself. It's good to want that because it means that I know this depressed me isn't the real me. God knows this, too, because he is my creator. The psalmist is so confident in God's love that he writes this psalm from God's point of view. Let's assume this to be true today. How has God delivered you today? How have you glorified him? Any step you take toward your recovery shows God's deliverance and glorifies him. Your faith, even if mustard seed-sized, shows God's deliverance and glorifies him.
Lord, thank you for the faith to keep calling on you. Open my heart to your deliverance. Let me glorify you today. Amen.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Psalm 49:7
Truly, no ransom avails for one's life, there is no price one can give to God for it.
Really! There's no such thing as self-rescue, pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.
It's so hard for me to give this depression and recovery up to God. Over and over the psalms tell us that strength and hope are found in God, and God alone. This seems easier for the psalmist to accept. It seems that I've given this depression and this recovery over to God many times, only to snatch it back again and again. Why? I want a time line. I want to know the future, when all I can ever know for sure is that my life is in God's hands. This I must believe, or else I will be defenseless against the despair of depression.
Lord, my life is yours. Help me to give it to you once and for all. Open my heart to the peace that comes from being in your hands. Amen.
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Really! There's no such thing as self-rescue, pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.
It's so hard for me to give this depression and recovery up to God. Over and over the psalms tell us that strength and hope are found in God, and God alone. This seems easier for the psalmist to accept. It seems that I've given this depression and this recovery over to God many times, only to snatch it back again and again. Why? I want a time line. I want to know the future, when all I can ever know for sure is that my life is in God's hands. This I must believe, or else I will be defenseless against the despair of depression.
Lord, my life is yours. Help me to give it to you once and for all. Open my heart to the peace that comes from being in your hands. Amen.
.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Psalm 48:9
We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
We pondered your love-in-action, God, waiting in your temple:
What does God's steadfast love mean in the midst of a depression? My thoughts are filled with longing and groans and doubts. Let's look at the temple: I am God's temple. God's temple is not well and whole, it is diseased with depression. I am pondering (to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply) God's never-changing love for me at a time when my mind is weak and I need the reassurance of his love so desperately. It brings me back to acceptance. Here I am, Lord, in this body, your temple. I can only believe that you love me and are with me.
Lord, my body does not feel worthy of being your temple. Fill me with your peace as I ponder your steadfast love. Open my heart to experience your love-in-action. Amen.
We pondered your love-in-action, God, waiting in your temple:
What does God's steadfast love mean in the midst of a depression? My thoughts are filled with longing and groans and doubts. Let's look at the temple: I am God's temple. God's temple is not well and whole, it is diseased with depression. I am pondering (to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply) God's never-changing love for me at a time when my mind is weak and I need the reassurance of his love so desperately. It brings me back to acceptance. Here I am, Lord, in this body, your temple. I can only believe that you love me and are with me.
Lord, my body does not feel worthy of being your temple. Fill me with your peace as I ponder your steadfast love. Open my heart to experience your love-in-action. Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Psalm 47:6
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
Sing songs to God, sing out! Sing to our king, sing praise!
I've been singing the song of praise from an old liturgy when I wake up and when I go to bed. Sometimes I sing it out loud, and sometimes I sing it in my head. My heart isn't always in it, and sometimes my mind wanders in the middle and I have to start over. It's not easy to sing praises in a depression, but it can be done. I'm thinking along the "fake it 'til you make it" line, and reminding myself of the power of the God I believe in. I have no faith in my own power right now, and the song of praise is one way of turning this depression and my recovery over to my Almighty God.
Lord, I praise you for your power. I know that any recovery I experience comes from your power. Fill my heart with praises for you. Amen.
Sing songs to God, sing out! Sing to our king, sing praise!
I've been singing the song of praise from an old liturgy when I wake up and when I go to bed. Sometimes I sing it out loud, and sometimes I sing it in my head. My heart isn't always in it, and sometimes my mind wanders in the middle and I have to start over. It's not easy to sing praises in a depression, but it can be done. I'm thinking along the "fake it 'til you make it" line, and reminding myself of the power of the God I believe in. I have no faith in my own power right now, and the song of praise is one way of turning this depression and my recovery over to my Almighty God.
Lord, I praise you for your power. I know that any recovery I experience comes from your power. Fill my heart with praises for you. Amen.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
I have talked about how God uses the people in our lives to help us. This psalm tells us that God is also present with us personally. When I think I am all alone, God is available to me. I have to admit, I am not very good at sensing God's presence. My faith tells me he is there, but I don't feel his comfort and peace. Maybe that's why I keep looking for his presence in the people I love. My prayer is for God to use this depression to teach me to feel his presence. In this dark disease, I have cried out to a God I refuse to stop believing in. Is that God's presence?
Lord, I believe in the peace that only you can give, but I don't know how to experience it. Open my heart to your presence, Lord. Let me hide in you when I need you. Amen.
God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
I have talked about how God uses the people in our lives to help us. This psalm tells us that God is also present with us personally. When I think I am all alone, God is available to me. I have to admit, I am not very good at sensing God's presence. My faith tells me he is there, but I don't feel his comfort and peace. Maybe that's why I keep looking for his presence in the people I love. My prayer is for God to use this depression to teach me to feel his presence. In this dark disease, I have cried out to a God I refuse to stop believing in. Is that God's presence?
Lord, I believe in the peace that only you can give, but I don't know how to experience it. Open my heart to your presence, Lord. Let me hide in you when I need you. Amen.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Psalm 45:7
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
And that is why God, your very own God, poured fragrant oil on your head, marking you out as king from among your dear companions.
Have you ever been anointed? I've been anointed with oil and found it to be a very powerful experience. I was anointed most recently for the healing of this depression. This verse captured my attention because of the image of God anointing me with the oil of gladness. That is an image to hang onto! It also reminds me of my baptism, of being marked with the sign of the cross forever. Carry those images in your heart. Picture yourself anointed with gladness by God. Remember that you are God's beloved child.
Lord, I close my eyes and picture you pouring healing oil of gladness on my head. Let your oil cleanse my mind of this depression so that I can feel the gladness. Amen.
And that is why God, your very own God, poured fragrant oil on your head, marking you out as king from among your dear companions.
Have you ever been anointed? I've been anointed with oil and found it to be a very powerful experience. I was anointed most recently for the healing of this depression. This verse captured my attention because of the image of God anointing me with the oil of gladness. That is an image to hang onto! It also reminds me of my baptism, of being marked with the sign of the cross forever. Carry those images in your heart. Picture yourself anointed with gladness by God. Remember that you are God's beloved child.
Lord, I close my eyes and picture you pouring healing oil of gladness on my head. Let your oil cleanse my mind of this depression so that I can feel the gladness. Amen.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Psalm 44:26
Rise up, come to our help. Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
Get up and come to our rescue. If you love us so much, Help us!
I am always stunned by how the psalmist directs God, even though I know I've been just as direct. I've told God to heal me now and give me my life back. I've told God to take my life because I don't want to suffer one more second. My faith tells me that God is helping me. This verse makes me wonder if I'm expecting God and the people who are helping me to do all the work. Have you ever tried to pick up a child who doesn't want to be picked up? I need to be active in this recovery, too. God loves you so much. He is helping you.
Lord, keep my thoughts on your love for me. Build on my hopes for recovery so that we can work together toward an end to this depression. Amen.
Get up and come to our rescue. If you love us so much, Help us!
I am always stunned by how the psalmist directs God, even though I know I've been just as direct. I've told God to heal me now and give me my life back. I've told God to take my life because I don't want to suffer one more second. My faith tells me that God is helping me. This verse makes me wonder if I'm expecting God and the people who are helping me to do all the work. Have you ever tried to pick up a child who doesn't want to be picked up? I need to be active in this recovery, too. God loves you so much. He is helping you.
Lord, keep my thoughts on your love for me. Build on my hopes for recovery so that we can work together toward an end to this depression. Amen.
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