Ps 42:5-6
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God.
- I love that David addresses himself when he finds an attitude that shouldn’t be there.
v.6 My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. (ESV)
- He reveals his answer to depression. He was down cast, and he gave himself these instructions. He hoped in God, changed his focus, looked to God, and remembered what God had done. His salvation was in and from God. Vs 11
- If we can put our trust in God, change our focus, look to the answer, and remember God’s blessings, instead of our problems, I believe it will relieve us of depression too.
Zech 7:11-12
11 But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. 12 Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. (NKJV)
-They had just asked for God’s instructions in vs 2 & 3 but they didn’t want to receive the answer they got in vs 4-10. I think this is dumb, however I think it is a rather common practice. In fact, I think I have been guilty of it. They weren’t looking for an actual answer, they were looking for support. They only want advice from people who will tell them what they want to hear. They ignore everything that doesn’t line up with their own plans and when they finally find someone who will tell them what they want to hear, they say “see I have talked to people and sought counsel and ‘Bob’ agrees with me.” What a way to fool themselves (James 1:22)!
- God, please help me to not to do that. Give me a soft and receptive heart that wants to please you whatever the cost. I want to lay down my plans and desires to follow yours. Help me to respond with quick obedience to your word whatever and whenever it may be.
1 Chron 14:10
10 And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” ESV
- God spoke to David in response. If you want direction from God you need to learn to ask.
- If we don’t cast our cares on him they will remain our burden 1 Peter 5:7; We are not supposed to be worried about things we are supposed to pray Phil 4:6; . Have you gone to God to determine your direction. The answer is waiting for the question John 16:24;
