Psalm 143:3-10 gives a description of depression and how to overcome it. Let's look at this passage in detail to see the steps we can take to defeat this attack of the enemy:
Psalm 143:3: IDENTIFY THE NATURE AND CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. David says he feels as if he is dwelling in 'dark places as those who have been long dead.' This certainly sounds to me like a description of someone who is depressed. I believe that the source of the depression described here is our enemy, Satan, who attacks the soul.
Psalm 143:4: RECOGNIZE THAT DEPRESSION STEALS LIFE AND LIGHT. Depression oppresses a person's spiritual freedom and power. Our spirits (empowered and encouraged by God's Spirit) are powerful and free. Therefore, Satan seeks to oppress our spirits' power and liberty by filling our minds with darkness and gloom. Please realize that it is vital to resist the feeling called "DEPRESSION" immediately when we begin to sense it. The longer it is allowed to remain, the harder it becomes to resist.
Psalm 143:5: REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES. In this verse we see David's response to his condition. Remembering, meditating, and pondering are all functions of the mind. He obviously knows that his thoughts will affect his feelings, so he gets busy thinking about the kinds of things that will help overcome the attack upon his mind. He thinks about God and the good things He does.
Psalm 143:6: PRAISE THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF THE PROBLEM. David knows the importance of praise; he lifts his hands in worship. He declares what his need truly is: He needs God. Far too often when people get DEPRESSED, it is because they are in need of something, and they seek it in the wrong place, which only adds to their problems. God alone can water a thirsty soul. Do not be deceived int thinking that anything else can satisfy you fully and completely. Chasing after the wrong thing will always leave you DISAPPOINTED, and DISAPPOINTMENT opens the door to DEPRESSION.
Psalm 143:7: Ask for God's help. David asks for help. He is basically saying, "Hurry up, God, because I am not going to be able to hold on very much longer without You.
Psalm 143:8: LISTEN TO THE LORD. David knows that he needs to hear from God. He needs to be assured of God's love and kindness. He needs God's attention and direction.
Psalm 143:9: PRAY FOR DELIVERANCE. Once again David declares that only God can help him. Please notice that throughout this discourse, he keeps his mind on God and not on the problem.
Psalm 143:10: SEEK GOD'S WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, AND LEADERSHIP. Perhaps David is indicating that he has gotten out of the will of God and thus opened the door to the attack on his soul. He wants to be in God's will because he realizes that it is the only safe place to be. Then he requests that God help him to be stable. He wants his unsettled emotions to be level-not up and down.
I ENCOURAGE you to meditate on God's Word and apply its principles to your LIFE. Let it bring you FREEDOM and PEACE.
Page 951
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
No comments:
Post a Comment