I have this little tradition, or habit perhaps, of reading the same psalm everyday for a week. I initially began reading through Psalms this way because I felt like I remembered nothing as I read through the book, a different chapter day after day. The tactic has produced a little fruit in that sometimes I actually notice something (usually around Friday) after reading the same words for several days in a row. However, weeks often go by before I feel I have found something significant enough to warrant journaling about. This week I was so encouraged by my little revelation that I thought I might share it with you.
I have never experienced depression. Certainly I have had my sad moments, lonely days and lethargic attitudes; but the true depths of despair and hopelessness, pain and overwhelming loneliness have never touched my soul. Nevertheless, I have observed and felt the effects of depression in some of my dearest loved ones and friends. Consequently I seem to constantly fight the Darkness behind the condition and eagerly seek scriptural Truths to contradict the enemy’s lies.
This week I found some such truths in Psalm 77. Now, I did not do any historical or cultural research on this passage. I cannot tell you what the words mean in Hebrew, if there are any idioms and what they might mean. All I know is what I observed and felt as I read Asaph’s words.
I didn’t notice at first what the psalm was about until I read verse 10:
And I said, “This is my anguish; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
The psalmist in the previous 9 verses was recounting how much his soul was in anguish and could not be comforted, no matter how desperately he cried out to God. He questions God’s involvement, even His love of His chosen people. Suddenly in verse 10 the writer gives himself the equivilent of a reality check. This may indeed be my terrible heartache and the anguish of my soul, he declares to the world, but I WILL REMEMBER what the Most High God has done for me. Now isn’t that the essence of overcoming depression? Choosing to, in the face of all that hurts and the weight that seems immovable, look upon the face and the actions of your Redeemer? The psalmist shows us how it can be done; and though he does not conclude that his depression and anguish vanish in the wake of his proclamation of God’s good works, the reader feels the focus change. No longer am I looking at the emptiness and loneliness of a soul searching for an absent God. All I can see is the loving arm of a father holding tightly and carefully guiding His beloved children. It is not so much that the depression is eradicated. The focus has changed.
I cried out to God with my voice To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out tin the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. Will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled. The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about. The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. You way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Thanks for sharing that. It was very encouraging. O, meditating on God’s Word is SO refreshing. Counting our blessings in hard times puts our problems into perspective. It takes the focus off the bad and helps us look for the good. In doing so the Lord always shows me that my problems are so small compared to someone else’s. Hope that makes some sense. I’m not good at putting my thoughts into words. ;o)