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I’ve discussed depression with many people through 55 years of ministry. I’m not a professional counselor but am very supportive of those who experience depression seeking professional help.
The title of this Interruption is Feeling Depressed? What I know! I’m writing about what I’ve observed (may not be correct for everyone) and what I’ve experienced dealing with personal fear, anxiety, and discouragement. I’m focusing on Psalms 34, which I believe is the Overcoming Depression Psalm.
Praise …
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be continually in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 KJV
When I stop praising God, my fear gets worse, when I get back to praising God, my fears loosen. The simple act of saying, “God, I praise you for these five things helps me.” Outsiders looking at those depressed can think, “They have so much blessing in their lives.” And usually this is true.
Focusing too much on my fears or things not going my way, in a sense I demean what God has been doing. Taking my inner focus off myself and refocusing upon God gives me a better perspective.
When switching my perspective through praise (inward to outward) the heaviness of emotional turmoil lifts.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. Psalm 34:3-5 KJV
Angels …
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:6-7 KJV
Depression brings feelings of hopelessness. Several times in my life the intensity of my frustration became so dark that I began echoing the writer of Psalm 139 when he says, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” (v. 11)
A.W. Tozer writes, “God does not lead His children through dry places in order to leave them there, but to teach them to lean upon His everlasting arm.”
Twice angels ministered to Jesus (after His temptation in Matthew 4:11 and as He prayed before His arrest in Luke 22:43). After the first-time angels ministered to Jesus, He began is earthly ministry, and after the second-time angels ministered to Jesus, He began His heavenly ministry of sitting at the right hand of the Father praying for us.
Pray for the Spirit and Jesus to help you and don’t be surprised if you are visited by an angel.
Taste …
After someone experiences tragedy or extreme despondency, when offered a plate of food, they say, “Nothing tastes good to me right now.” The same thing happens with God after we experience trials, and we say, “I’m not sure I’m believe in God.”
What happened?
First, it’s okay to lose your appetite for life and God, we all do. Second, this may sound strange, but the fear of God restores our desires. Fearing God simply means respect and honor for His ways, and in my life the Spirit flips a switch in my soul during my defeats allowing me to trust God again.
Then I’m hungry – give me a rib eye steak and a good praise session at church!
Praise – Angels – Taste!
You can find other helpful insights for overcoming depression throughout Psalm 34. Read the Psalm many times and memorize it.
