He led them by a straight way, till they reached a city to dwell in.
He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live.
This journey does not feel like a straight way or a wonderful road. Maybe in retrospect I'll see that the way was straight, but right now it feels like I tried to follow the detour signs and got lost. I have been struggling with this verse for days and I can't seem to get farther than that.
Lord, lead me by a straight wonderful road to a good place to live. Thy will be done. Amen.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 9, 2015
Psalm 106:47
Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to thy holy name and glory in thy praise.
Save us, God, our God! Gather us back out of exile so we can give thanks to your holy name and join in the glory when you are praised!
According to my study Bible, this psalms tells "the story of God's great deeds," and stresses "the perversity and obtuseness of the people." Obtuse means "not able to understand something obvious." This makes me think of all the times I think or say that I don't understand why I have episodes of depression, just as the people of the Exodus didn't understand why they were in the desert. I'm really saying, "Why me?" But the question "why me" does not bring us back out of exile; it keeps us in exile. In the exile of "why me" there is no acceptance and no action. This psalm tells us to let ourselves be gathered up out of exile and into God's mercy.
Lord, bring me out of the exile of depression and the "perversity and obtuseness" of asking, "Why me?" Gather me into your mercy. Amen.
Save us, God, our God! Gather us back out of exile so we can give thanks to your holy name and join in the glory when you are praised!
According to my study Bible, this psalms tells "the story of God's great deeds," and stresses "the perversity and obtuseness of the people." Obtuse means "not able to understand something obvious." This makes me think of all the times I think or say that I don't understand why I have episodes of depression, just as the people of the Exodus didn't understand why they were in the desert. I'm really saying, "Why me?" But the question "why me" does not bring us back out of exile; it keeps us in exile. In the exile of "why me" there is no acceptance and no action. This psalm tells us to let ourselves be gathered up out of exile and into God's mercy.
Lord, bring me out of the exile of depression and the "perversity and obtuseness" of asking, "Why me?" Gather me into your mercy. Amen.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Psalm 105:4
Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.
This psalm tells us that one way to keep our eyes open for God is to study what he has already done for his people. The psalm tells the history of the nation of Israel; of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. The story reminds us that God does not put us on a linear or ever-upward path. God was faithful when Joseph was in prison and when he was overseer of Egypt. Reading the Bible stories of God's faithfulness reminds us of his faithfulness to us. It reminds me of God's faithfulness to me. God is present and working in my life, in the prison of depression and as overseer of my life.
Lord, always help me remember that you are working and present in my life always. Remind me of the stories of your faithfulness, so that I can recognize your faithfulness in my life. Amen.
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.
This psalm tells us that one way to keep our eyes open for God is to study what he has already done for his people. The psalm tells the history of the nation of Israel; of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. The story reminds us that God does not put us on a linear or ever-upward path. God was faithful when Joseph was in prison and when he was overseer of Egypt. Reading the Bible stories of God's faithfulness reminds us of his faithfulness to us. It reminds me of God's faithfulness to me. God is present and working in my life, in the prison of depression and as overseer of my life.
Lord, always help me remember that you are working and present in my life always. Remind me of the stories of your faithfulness, so that I can recognize your faithfulness in my life. Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Psalm 104:14-15
Thou dost cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man's heart.
Oh yes, God brings grain from the land, wine to make people happy, their faces glowing with health, a people well-fed and hearty.
This is a "Hymn to God the creator." God provides creation with everything it needs and then goes beyond that to provide the means of gladdening and strengthening our hearts. My heart needs gladdening and strengthening. There is one means God uses that I have trouble appreciating: time. I want my heart gladdened and strengthened like it's a product and not a process. I want my heart glad and strong for good. There are verses about time in this psalm: the day, the night, and the seasons. Time is God's creation and it is a means to gladden and strengthen my heart.
Lord, let me appreciate the time you provide for me to heal from depression. Let me pay attention to the ways you gladden and strengthen my heart. Amen.
Oh yes, God brings grain from the land, wine to make people happy, their faces glowing with health, a people well-fed and hearty.
This is a "Hymn to God the creator." God provides creation with everything it needs and then goes beyond that to provide the means of gladdening and strengthening our hearts. My heart needs gladdening and strengthening. There is one means God uses that I have trouble appreciating: time. I want my heart gladdened and strengthened like it's a product and not a process. I want my heart glad and strong for good. There are verses about time in this psalm: the day, the night, and the seasons. Time is God's creation and it is a means to gladden and strengthen my heart.
Lord, let me appreciate the time you provide for me to heal from depression. Let me pay attention to the ways you gladden and strengthen my heart. Amen.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Psalm 103:6
The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.
There are a lot of fitting verses in this psalm. Bless the Lord who forgives sins, heals diseases, redeems you from hell, and many more. I chose this one because in Psalm 102 I was brought to my knees, so it seems important to know that I will be put back on my feet. See, I told you a few psalms and a few years ago that I was over the depression and here it is back again. The lessons I learned have to be learned again, and again, and again. I'm not starting from scratch, though. I now see the signs earlier and take care of myself a little better and, so far, avoid the major depression I experienced before. I will find myself back on my feet.
Lord, you bring us to our knees to teach us the lessons we need to learn. Please use these lessons to bring me back on my feet, living the full life you intend for me. Amen.
God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.
There are a lot of fitting verses in this psalm. Bless the Lord who forgives sins, heals diseases, redeems you from hell, and many more. I chose this one because in Psalm 102 I was brought to my knees, so it seems important to know that I will be put back on my feet. See, I told you a few psalms and a few years ago that I was over the depression and here it is back again. The lessons I learned have to be learned again, and again, and again. I'm not starting from scratch, though. I now see the signs earlier and take care of myself a little better and, so far, avoid the major depression I experienced before. I will find myself back on my feet.
Lord, you bring us to our knees to teach us the lessons we need to learn. Please use these lessons to bring me back on my feet, living the full life you intend for me. Amen.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Psalm 102:23
He has broken my strength in mid-course; he has shortened my days.
God sovereignly brought me to my knees, he cut me down in my prime.
When is it time to keep fighting, and when is it time to give up? This verse makes me think of the adage, "When God closes a door, he opens a window." Good old Merriam-Webster says a sovereign is "one that exercises supreme authority..." The problem is, some of us are not so good at discerning where God's supreme authority is leading us. I am not so good at discernment period. In other words, there's not a window in sight! The God I trust does not bring me to my knees just to exercise his supreme authority. I don't know where that window is, or where it leads, but maybe I'll see it when I stop banging on the door.
Lord, my strength is broken. You have brought me to my knees. Let me trust in your love for me and discern your path for me. Amen.
God sovereignly brought me to my knees, he cut me down in my prime.
When is it time to keep fighting, and when is it time to give up? This verse makes me think of the adage, "When God closes a door, he opens a window." Good old Merriam-Webster says a sovereign is "one that exercises supreme authority..." The problem is, some of us are not so good at discerning where God's supreme authority is leading us. I am not so good at discernment period. In other words, there's not a window in sight! The God I trust does not bring me to my knees just to exercise his supreme authority. I don't know where that window is, or where it leads, but maybe I'll see it when I stop banging on the door.
Lord, my strength is broken. You have brought me to my knees. Let me trust in your love for me and discern your path for me. Amen.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Psalm 101:2
I will give heed to the way that is blameless. Oh when wilt thou come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;
I'm finding my way down the road of right living; but how long before you show up? I'm doing the very best I can, and I'm doing it at home, where it counts.
This is a psalm about justice, and justice begins at home. It is difficult to balance treating depression with family, friends, and work. Here I am, an introvert with depression. I need to be alone to recharge. I've hit a point in my life where my energy is limited and I'm no longer able to keep plugging along without risking a relapse. So where should my energy go? Work? Relationships? This verse says home is where it counts, a definite vote for relationships. Yet I'm in a profession that requires a lot of energy, and home is more forgiving than work. Nevertheless, this verse says the scale should tip in favor of relationships.
Lord, a balanced life is so difficult to achieve. Bless my attempts at discerning your word and your will for me. Let me always remember to do the very best I can at home, where it counts. Amen.
I'm finding my way down the road of right living; but how long before you show up? I'm doing the very best I can, and I'm doing it at home, where it counts.
This is a psalm about justice, and justice begins at home. It is difficult to balance treating depression with family, friends, and work. Here I am, an introvert with depression. I need to be alone to recharge. I've hit a point in my life where my energy is limited and I'm no longer able to keep plugging along without risking a relapse. So where should my energy go? Work? Relationships? This verse says home is where it counts, a definite vote for relationships. Yet I'm in a profession that requires a lot of energy, and home is more forgiving than work. Nevertheless, this verse says the scale should tip in favor of relationships.
Lord, a balanced life is so difficult to achieve. Bless my attempts at discerning your word and your will for me. Let me always remember to do the very best I can at home, where it counts. Amen.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Psalm 100:5
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever and his faithfulness to all generations.
For God is sheer beauty, all-generous love, loyal always and ever.
It is comforting in depression to remind myself that my depressed state is not all there is to me. I have not always felt like this and I will not always feel like this. But God is not like me. This verse reminds me that God is the same always. I began these psalms because I wanted to see if my faith would withstand the hopelessness of depression. It has. My trust in God has not always been good, steadfast, and faithful, but it has survived. In depression I desperately assumed this verse to be true; in health I joyfully avow this verse to be true. The grace and mercy from my good, steadfast, and faithful God have preserved my soul through depression. It is right to pray this psalm of thanksgiving.
Lord, you are good, steadfast, and faithful. Teach me to cling to you always, that my trust in you may be good, steadfast, and faithful. Thank-you for the ability to joyfully pray psalms of thanksgiving. Amen.
For God is sheer beauty, all-generous love, loyal always and ever.
It is comforting in depression to remind myself that my depressed state is not all there is to me. I have not always felt like this and I will not always feel like this. But God is not like me. This verse reminds me that God is the same always. I began these psalms because I wanted to see if my faith would withstand the hopelessness of depression. It has. My trust in God has not always been good, steadfast, and faithful, but it has survived. In depression I desperately assumed this verse to be true; in health I joyfully avow this verse to be true. The grace and mercy from my good, steadfast, and faithful God have preserved my soul through depression. It is right to pray this psalm of thanksgiving.
Lord, you are good, steadfast, and faithful. Teach me to cling to you always, that my trust in you may be good, steadfast, and faithful. Thank-you for the ability to joyfully pray psalms of thanksgiving. Amen.
Psalm 99:8
O Lord our God, you did answer them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
And then God, our God, answered them (But you were never soft on their sins).
God has answered my prayers: I am out of depression and fully participating in life again. The fog has lifted. Like a child who keeps examining a skinned knee, I keep revisiting the paths that took me into and out of depression. This psalm reminds us that God does not protect us from consequences, but he does guide us through them. My sin was seeking glory from my activities. I fight that sin now by seeking glory for God from my activities. I’ve narrowed my life down considerably. I protect my time to rest so that my work can more fully glorify God.
Lord, you answered my prayer. Let my healing glorify you. Let all that I do glorify you. Amen.
And then God, our God, answered them (But you were never soft on their sins).
God has answered my prayers: I am out of depression and fully participating in life again. The fog has lifted. Like a child who keeps examining a skinned knee, I keep revisiting the paths that took me into and out of depression. This psalm reminds us that God does not protect us from consequences, but he does guide us through them. My sin was seeking glory from my activities. I fight that sin now by seeking glory for God from my activities. I’ve narrowed my life down considerably. I protect my time to rest so that my work can more fully glorify God.
Lord, you answered my prayer. Let my healing glorify you. Let all that I do glorify you. Amen.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Psalm 98:1
O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!
Sing to God a brand-new song. He’s made a world of wonders!
When I first started these devotions I thought I would be unable to write a devotion on a praise psalm. I knew the psalms would express my depression in words. But even these psalms of despair convinced me that my depression was clinical, an illness. I would say, “I have a good life. Why do I feel this way?” In terms of treatment, answering the why is important because depression can be an illness or it can be a response to a difficult life situation. In terms of justifying depression, this question is a dead end. The praise psalms help me throw out the why question. They remind me that God is God. Period.
Lord, I am, in sickness or health, only a human being. Let me be comforted by reading the psalms that praise you. Let them remind me that you are God. Amen.
Sing to God a brand-new song. He’s made a world of wonders!
When I first started these devotions I thought I would be unable to write a devotion on a praise psalm. I knew the psalms would express my depression in words. But even these psalms of despair convinced me that my depression was clinical, an illness. I would say, “I have a good life. Why do I feel this way?” In terms of treatment, answering the why is important because depression can be an illness or it can be a response to a difficult life situation. In terms of justifying depression, this question is a dead end. The praise psalms help me throw out the why question. They remind me that God is God. Period.
Lord, I am, in sickness or health, only a human being. Let me be comforted by reading the psalms that praise you. Let them remind me that you are God. Amen.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Psalm 97:11
Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
Light is a noun, an adjective, and a verb. It has a total of 22 definitions, 15 of them for the noun. Light is something that makes vision possible. Light is a spiritual illumination. It’s not surprising that physical vision and mental understanding use the same noun. We cannot see without light. That’s why it’s so important to be up in the daytime, enjoying sunlight if not inner light. Living in this emotional darkness is teaching this life-long night owl an appreciation for resting at night and waking in the morning. I’ve never found peace or healing in the night, only worry and anxiety. The sun rises and sets with or without me. I might as well follow God’s plan by rising and setting with the sun.
Lord, you created me to be awake in the light and rest in the darkness. Let me follow your plan, and let sunlight lead me out of the darkness of depression. Amen.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
Light is a noun, an adjective, and a verb. It has a total of 22 definitions, 15 of them for the noun. Light is something that makes vision possible. Light is a spiritual illumination. It’s not surprising that physical vision and mental understanding use the same noun. We cannot see without light. That’s why it’s so important to be up in the daytime, enjoying sunlight if not inner light. Living in this emotional darkness is teaching this life-long night owl an appreciation for resting at night and waking in the morning. I’ve never found peace or healing in the night, only worry and anxiety. The sun rises and sets with or without me. I might as well follow God’s plan by rising and setting with the sun.
Lord, you created me to be awake in the light and rest in the darkness. Let me follow your plan, and let sunlight lead me out of the darkness of depression. Amen.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Psalm 96:11
Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it…
Let’s hear it from Sky, with Earth joining in, and a huge round of applause from Sea.
This psalm begins with the command, “Sing to the Lord a new song.“ By verse 11, nature is told to praise God. But God is always glorified by his creation. The beauty of the sky, earth, and sea gives glory to God. Just by being, creation glorifies God. I am God’s creation also. My existence glorifies God. Calling to him in my depression glorifies God. My healing glorifies God. Just by being, I glorify God. It’s easy to see how God is glorified in a starry night, autumn leaves, or the ocean tide. Witness the glory of God’s creation and remember that you are God’s creation, too.
Lord, I am your creation. Open my heart to enjoying your creation and appreciating its goodness. Remind me that, as your creation, I am good. Amen.
Let’s hear it from Sky, with Earth joining in, and a huge round of applause from Sea.
This psalm begins with the command, “Sing to the Lord a new song.“ By verse 11, nature is told to praise God. But God is always glorified by his creation. The beauty of the sky, earth, and sea gives glory to God. Just by being, creation glorifies God. I am God’s creation also. My existence glorifies God. Calling to him in my depression glorifies God. My healing glorifies God. Just by being, I glorify God. It’s easy to see how God is glorified in a starry night, autumn leaves, or the ocean tide. Witness the glory of God’s creation and remember that you are God’s creation, too.
Lord, I am your creation. Open my heart to enjoying your creation and appreciating its goodness. Remind me that, as your creation, I am good. Amen.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Psalm 95:6
O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us!
We used to sing this in the liturgy when I was a kid. I went to parochial school, so I had to have my own hymnal and Bible in my desk all through school. My mother gave them to me, my name embossed in gold, when I began first grade. At some point, eighth grade maybe, we signed our names in each others’ hymnals, like a yearbook. It’s been comforting to browse through the hymnal from my childhood. It made me smile to see the autographs of my classmates. Next, I opened the photo album. There have been many happy times. Focus on the celebrations of your life.
Lord, you are my Maker. You have blessed my life with many celebrations. Keep my mind focused on my blessings. Amen.
So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us!
We used to sing this in the liturgy when I was a kid. I went to parochial school, so I had to have my own hymnal and Bible in my desk all through school. My mother gave them to me, my name embossed in gold, when I began first grade. At some point, eighth grade maybe, we signed our names in each others’ hymnals, like a yearbook. It’s been comforting to browse through the hymnal from my childhood. It made me smile to see the autographs of my classmates. Next, I opened the photo album. There have been many happy times. Focus on the celebrations of your life.
Lord, you are my Maker. You have blessed my life with many celebrations. Keep my mind focused on my blessings. Amen.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Psalm 94:18
When I thought, “My foot slips,” they steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
I’m remembering my descent into depression, when I thought all I needed was some rest. Could I have avoided this if I’d looked for help earlier? There is no way to tell. But notice when God intervenes in this verse. After all the discussion of crying, moaning, groaning, and pleading unto the Lord, this verse tell us that God intervenes as soon as we realize we’re in trouble. So, the first time I thought all I needed was rest, God took hold. As comforting as it is to know that God responds to me when I ask and because I ask, this provides an even more comforting image.
Lord, you took hold and are holding me still. Guide my thoughts to the ways you have held me up. Let me recognize them each day. Amen.
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
I’m remembering my descent into depression, when I thought all I needed was some rest. Could I have avoided this if I’d looked for help earlier? There is no way to tell. But notice when God intervenes in this verse. After all the discussion of crying, moaning, groaning, and pleading unto the Lord, this verse tell us that God intervenes as soon as we realize we’re in trouble. So, the first time I thought all I needed was rest, God took hold. As comforting as it is to know that God responds to me when I ask and because I ask, this provides an even more comforting image.
Lord, you took hold and are holding me still. Guide my thoughts to the ways you have held me up. Let me recognize them each day. Amen.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Psalm 93:4
Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!
Stronger than wild sea storms, Mightier than sea storm breakers, Mighty God rules from High Heaven.
My study Bible comments: “God’s rule is based upon his control over the powers of chaos, symbolized by the waters of the sea.” The dictionary defines chaos as a state of utter confusion. Reminds me of my first response to depression, “I just need to sit and think and figure this out.” That was followed by my second response: utter confusion, because, of course, I couldn’t figure it out. As mighty and strong as this depression-induced chaos is, God is mightier. Picture the ocean this verse describes and then remember Jesus calming the sea. Dwell on this: Mighty God rules from High Heaven, calming the storm of depression.
Lord, Mighty God, calm the storm of depression. Let me dwell on the image of you calming the sea. Amen.
Stronger than wild sea storms, Mightier than sea storm breakers, Mighty God rules from High Heaven.
My study Bible comments: “God’s rule is based upon his control over the powers of chaos, symbolized by the waters of the sea.” The dictionary defines chaos as a state of utter confusion. Reminds me of my first response to depression, “I just need to sit and think and figure this out.” That was followed by my second response: utter confusion, because, of course, I couldn’t figure it out. As mighty and strong as this depression-induced chaos is, God is mightier. Picture the ocean this verse describes and then remember Jesus calming the sea. Dwell on this: Mighty God rules from High Heaven, calming the storm of depression.
Lord, Mighty God, calm the storm of depression. Let me dwell on the image of you calming the sea. Amen.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Psalm 92:1
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God!
Singing praises to God while suffering depression is just like doing any activity: I make myself. I make myself brush my teeth and get dressed. I make myself eat and take a walk. I make myself give thanks and sing praises to the Lord. How? I read the psalms. I read the liturgies and hymns in the hymnal. I listen to music. I make lists of the blessings in my life. I am not depressed because everything in my life is bad and I have no blessings. I am depressed because I’m sick. God is with me, delivering me from depression, and I praise him as best as I am able.
Lord, I’m not alone in praising you. Let me depend on all the people who have written praises to you, giving thanks with their words until I find my own words again. Amen.
What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God!
Singing praises to God while suffering depression is just like doing any activity: I make myself. I make myself brush my teeth and get dressed. I make myself eat and take a walk. I make myself give thanks and sing praises to the Lord. How? I read the psalms. I read the liturgies and hymns in the hymnal. I listen to music. I make lists of the blessings in my life. I am not depressed because everything in my life is bad and I have no blessings. I am depressed because I’m sick. God is with me, delivering me from depression, and I praise him as best as I am able.
Lord, I’m not alone in praising you. Let me depend on all the people who have written praises to you, giving thanks with their words until I find my own words again. Amen.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Psalm 91:14
Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name.
“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble.”
My study Bible calls Psalm 91 a “meditation on God as the protector of the faithful (a wisdom psalm).” In this verse God is talking about you and me. I’m tempted to form an ideal picture of cleaving to God in love, decide I’m falling short, and conclude that God isn’t protecting me. Then I remember Psalm 89 and resist trying to measure or evaluate my cleaving or my love. God isn’t measuring or evaluating. God doesn’t protect me because I deserve it or I’ve earned it. This verse says that God protects me because I ask him. Dwell on this: God protects you because you ask him.
Lord, I have spent the last 90 psalms cleaving to you in love. I am holding on to you for dear life. I know to call your name. Lord, protect me. Amen.
“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble.”
My study Bible calls Psalm 91 a “meditation on God as the protector of the faithful (a wisdom psalm).” In this verse God is talking about you and me. I’m tempted to form an ideal picture of cleaving to God in love, decide I’m falling short, and conclude that God isn’t protecting me. Then I remember Psalm 89 and resist trying to measure or evaluate my cleaving or my love. God isn’t measuring or evaluating. God doesn’t protect me because I deserve it or I’ve earned it. This verse says that God protects me because I ask him. Dwell on this: God protects you because you ask him.
Lord, I have spent the last 90 psalms cleaving to you in love. I am holding on to you for dear life. I know to call your name. Lord, protect me. Amen.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!
When I see these words, especially the second translation, I can easily think in the context of modern life. Living well means having money, and living wisely means never making mistakes. It reminds me of my husband singing Janis Joplin: “Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz.“ So then I begin again, and think of the good life and wisdom God wants for me. A good life is based on the contentment that flows from praising God. Wisdom is knowing what’s important: caring for God’s people. God is only interested in today, and, with a heart of wisdom, I am only interested in today.
Lord, depression fills my mind with the regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow. Teach me the wisdom of living each day in praise and service to you. Amen.
Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!
When I see these words, especially the second translation, I can easily think in the context of modern life. Living well means having money, and living wisely means never making mistakes. It reminds me of my husband singing Janis Joplin: “Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz.“ So then I begin again, and think of the good life and wisdom God wants for me. A good life is based on the contentment that flows from praising God. Wisdom is knowing what’s important: caring for God’s people. God is only interested in today, and, with a heart of wisdom, I am only interested in today.
Lord, depression fills my mind with the regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow. Teach me the wisdom of living each day in praise and service to you. Amen.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Psalm 89:1
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, for ever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
Your love, God, is my song, and I’ll sing it! I’m forever telling everyone how faithful you are.
Faith in God is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Keeping the faith during depression is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. Now you might argue and tell me how weak and almost non-existent your faith is at this point. The hopelessness of depression feels like proof that there is no God, or worse, that God has rejected you. But you know those are lies. Remember the faith of the mustard seed! Trust the Holy Spirit to maintain your faith through this illness. By God’s grace, because of his steadfast love and faithfulness, your faith is enough. My faith is enough.
Lord, thank-you for the blessing of faith in you. Let me proclaim your faithfulness by depending on the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Your love, God, is my song, and I’ll sing it! I’m forever telling everyone how faithful you are.
Faith in God is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Keeping the faith during depression is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. Now you might argue and tell me how weak and almost non-existent your faith is at this point. The hopelessness of depression feels like proof that there is no God, or worse, that God has rejected you. But you know those are lies. Remember the faith of the mustard seed! Trust the Holy Spirit to maintain your faith through this illness. By God’s grace, because of his steadfast love and faithfulness, your faith is enough. My faith is enough.
Lord, thank-you for the blessing of faith in you. Let me proclaim your faithfulness by depending on the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Psalm 88:3
For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.
I’ve had my fill of trouble; I’m camped on the edge of hell.
My study Bible calls this psalm a desperate prayer for healing in sickness. I bet I’ve written about this before, but when I first realized that a week of rest wasn’t going to cure me, I was really shocked. As the weeks passed, I became desperate. I remember lying on the floor in utter desolation and this definition crossed my mind: hell is the absence of God. Yet there was a place in my heart that remembered God‘s mercy and faithfulness and kept believing in God’s presence. I thank God that I can pray this desperate prayer, and still God works through a tiny place in my heart.
Lord, you are with me even when I’m camping on the edge of hell. Thank-you for that place in my heart that remembered your mercy and faithfulness. Amen.
I’ve had my fill of trouble; I’m camped on the edge of hell.
My study Bible calls this psalm a desperate prayer for healing in sickness. I bet I’ve written about this before, but when I first realized that a week of rest wasn’t going to cure me, I was really shocked. As the weeks passed, I became desperate. I remember lying on the floor in utter desolation and this definition crossed my mind: hell is the absence of God. Yet there was a place in my heart that remembered God‘s mercy and faithfulness and kept believing in God’s presence. I thank God that I can pray this desperate prayer, and still God works through a tiny place in my heart.
Lord, you are with me even when I’m camping on the edge of hell. Thank-you for that place in my heart that remembered your mercy and faithfulness. Amen.
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