A Downcast Soul

“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11 CSB)

Emotional, spiritual, or relational trauma can sometimes leave us depressed. These kinds of trauma produce a “disconnect” where the “why” question becomes paramount. Why am I feeling this way? Why has God not acted? The latter question, more accurately stated, would be, “Why has God not done what I want Him to?” On top of that, the enemy, Satan, comes and taunts us with, “Well, if God really loved you, He would take care of this problem for you. Where is He anyway? Why doesn’t He do something?”

Depression comes from a variety of sources. Sometimes it comes from anger that we do not handle very well and end up directing it inwardly toward ourselves. That may not seem apparent, but in reality that is what sometimes happens. Sometimes it comes from relationships that turn sour and end up hurting us emotionally. Sometimes depression is more “clinical” in nature, caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, and these often need to be treated medically.

With regard to depressions that are more traumatic in nature, the result of broken relationships, or the result of not growing adequately in spiritual matters, or the result of a spiritual oppression from the forces of evil who challenge God, the Scripture offers us an approach. This approach is essentially spiritual in nature and relates as well to the human will, to decision.

The way out begins with the realization of spiritual need. The first verse of Psalm 42 reads, “As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.” When we begin to realize that our true need is for God, to give Him our worship and praise, then we see a point of light in the darkness that, in reality, is the light at the end of the tunnel.

We then find the path into the light with a decision, stated this way, “Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” We make a conscious and intentional decision to put our hope in God and intentionally give Him our praise, which flies in the face of the “enemy.” We intentionally put our hope in God and trust Him to lead us out of the darkness.

Today, if you are struggling with some personal depression, maybe what you need is to first realize that your greatest need is for the Lord, and to then decide within your own heart that you are going to put your hope in Him and give Him the praise of your heart.

Father, Help us to remember this day how much You love us, and how You have demonstrated that love for us. Help us to worship You and put our hope in You. Amen.