2005-11-14 - Darkness & the Light

(Micah 7:8) Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.

Have you been dealing with difficult circumstances? Dealing with depression or anxiety? Maybe you're wondering where God is taking you and how He intends to do it through this particular means. Trust me, I understand. It's easy to become depressed or anxious over our situations, especially when they are so vast and out of our control. Sometimes it even seems as though no one understands. Yet, there are many who served the Lord who dealt with these very same issues. If you're looking for understanding and a light when all else around you lies in darkness, Seek the Source of Light. He does understand your moods and feelings. He accepts you right now, where you are, how you are. You don't have to pretend with Him. You can lie down in front of Him with all of your emotions and feelings of hopelessness with you. He will comfort you, love you, and accept you. He will encourage you and strengthen you. He will provide you with perseverance to get through, and He will take your burden and carry it for you.

Below are some of my notes from a service I attended. I chose to make only a few alterations to them, leaving them mainly as they are written in my notebook. I pray they will encourage you as they have me.

(Psalm 42:5) Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

He acknowledges his depression, then gives self-instruction, and worships God. The Nelson's Study Bible let's us know that he is reminding "himself that one day he will experience anew the presence of God. In the end, his hope in the Lord will not be misplaced."

Keep the faith when the feelings are gone. You can be both Godly and depressed.

(Psalm 39:12,13) Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

Here, the psalmist just wants to smile again.

1. Faith is the Key in the Fight Against Depression
   1. Memorize the promises of God's Word

      God's promises fuel the faith that I need to counter hopelessness.

      (Ps 30:5) For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

      (Is 30:18) And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

      (Nahum 1:7) The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

      (Is 41:10) Fear thou not; for I am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

   2. Focus on God Who He is and what He's done for you.
      • Encouragement

        (Gal 6:2) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

        (1 Thes 5:11) Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

      • Benefits of Going Through Depression

        It pays dividends in my war against sin - it softens my heart. When I'm fighting a low spirit, I'm in a more dependant state.

        (Psalm 139:23,24) Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties, and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

      • Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered. (Heb)

        It provides an opportunity for God to receive more glory through our lives and our ministry.

        (Psalm 50:15) Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.

      • God gets more glory in our weaknesses and times of need than in our strengths.

        (2 Corinthians 12:9,10) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

      • God uses us in the ministry despite our depression because it gives Him the opportunity to do what only He can do.

        (Deuteronomy 4:29) But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

        "But from there" from the place of contentment or peace.

        "You will" what a powerful phrase!

Comments or Questions?
Cheryl

botwbld@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org