"I'm feeling terrible — I couldn't feel worse! Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember? When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom. Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders. My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word. Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don't let me down! I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how." (Psalms 119:25-32 - from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
I love the fact that I can be REAL with God, my Father. I don't have to put on a front and pretend to be something I'm not. If I'm feeling depressed, I don't have to try to hide it from Him. I can talk to Him about it and find comfort and healing! Thank you, Father!
Here are some hints for moving through depression that I see hiding in these verses:
- Remind God of His promises to me - though I suspect He remembers - it's really myself that needs the reminding! As I remember His promises and the way He's led me in the past ("when I told my story you responded"), I can feel my burdens begin to lift.
- Another tool I can use to combat depression is visualization - visualizing the healing God is bringing. In these verses the Psalmist is using the visualization of a dilapidated old barn in need of refurbishing, and a roadblock across the road that leads nowhere.
- As always, seeking His guidance is key. "Grace me with your clear revelation."
- Remembering and putting into practice what I'm told as I seek His guidance is important - like writing His instructions on signposts that are placed at every turn, so there is no chance of getting lost.
- Willingness to do what He directs is key. I know God won't let me down as I do!
Father, thank you for your unconditional love - that I don't have to put up a front with you, but you accept me as I am. Happy or sad, at peace or in turmoil, patient or angry - no matter where I am, you are there with guidance and protection. Thank you, Father! May I follow your guidance always! Thank you for your promises of peace! Thank you for your promises of protection! Thank you for your love! I am so grateful, Father.
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This blog is simply a sharing of my "daily bread" - my daily walk with God. If something I've said has touched your heart, or sparked a new thought, I'd love to hear from you.