The next part of my, "When I Feel..." series covers the difficult situation of when we feel depressed. I really pray these verses and meditation can uplift and encourage anyone who may be struggling with this complex emotion right now. Much love, Lucy x
"When I feel depressed and empty, when I struggle through each day,When my happiness is gone and everything looks bland and grey,
When my soul is melancholy, desolate and in despair,
Help me know You’re with me Lord and You’re not going anywhere.
You are with me every moment, ever-faithful, ever-true.
Bring me peace as I recall the joy I always have in You.
Help me not to be discouraged, set my sights on things divine.
May I dwell on Christ eternal, taking each day at a time.
Though depression leaves me lonely, Jesus is my strength and stay.
Lay Your hand upon me now and lift this heaviness, I pray.
Energise and raise my spirits as I praise the King of kings.
Though I feel inadequate, through Jesus, I can do all things.
Meditating on Your blessings, fill my heart with gratitude.
Melt away despondency as I give thanks for all the good.
Comfort me and soothe my spirit, lift my eyes and raise my head.
Fill me with exuberance for there are better times ahead.
Though my current situation may be difficult to face,
You will guide me through this time, sufficient is Your love and grace.
Casting all my care before You, for my Saviour understands,
May my spirit find it’s joy. I know I’m safe within Your hands."
Psalm 116:7
“Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Heart Check
Have I been carrying the heavy burden of depression recently? The words of Matthew 11:29-30 read,
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
When I consider that Jesus says His burden is light, if I am carrying a heavy burden of any kind just now, where would this Scripture suggest this burden has come from? If it’s a heavy burden, is it of Jesus or is it an attack from the enemy? Has my heart gotten bogged down with concerns of this world?
The Lord knows we will go through dark and difficult times in this life. He never promised the Christian an easy road, free from troubles and trials. What He did promise His children however, is that He will be with us always, guiding us, strengthening us and leading us through each day into brighter, happier times. There is always strength, comfort and encouragement for the one who knows Jesus and calls out to Him in their time of need.
I’ve heard it said that the mind is like a battle ground and many wars are fought and won by bringing every thought into captivity, to the obedience of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Many times, the Bible emphasises the importance of controlling our thought-life and Philippians 4:8 gives us a wonderful list of things to dwell on to encourage good spiritual and mental health.
When I consider the things I allow my mind to mull over, are they in-keeping with the list of Philippians 4:8 or do they go against this advice?
If I feel like my thoughts tend to ruminate on the negative, perhaps I could ask the Lord to help me with this area of my life. It might be a good idea to really make an effort to evaluate what kind of thoughts I’m having and if it’s anything that goes against God’s Word, ask Him to help me recognise this and actively change this pattern in my mind.
I once read in an article, “Your thought process is like a train on a journey. If you dwell on negative things, don’t be surprised when you end up at a negative destination.”
I thought this was a very clear analogy and it has certainly helped me at times to recognise when I need to change tracks and get that thought train on a different route!
If we’re feeling downcast or depressed today, let’s bring those emotions before the Lord and ask Him to help us process them. As we spend time in the presence of our faithful Saviour, may He replace our sombre spirits with His eternal supply of peace and joy. When we have Jesus, there is always hope and help to be found through every season of life.
