Psalms Principle 41: Spiritual Depression (Psalm 42, Psalm 43)

***Principle number is different than the Psalm number (for Psalms 28-150). ***
Psalm 42, Ps 42, Psalm 43, Ps 43, Ps #41
If we are depressed primarily due to spiritual reasons, we should share our concerns with God and seek comfort from other brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

[louannlaw]

If we are depressed primarily due to spiritual reasons, we should share our concerns with God and seek comfort from other brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. We should realize, however, that our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well meaning as they may be, cannot ‘stay awake with [us], ’ not really. God is the one who neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4), and we have Holy Spirit as Comforter (John 14:26), along with Jesus interceding for us (Romans 8:34), so we have all we need to work through a spiritual depression. Just like the psalmist did, we must keep reminding ourselves to “hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” We are not alone, as we walk through times of spiritual depression. We just have to let God walk it with us. Thanks for the teaching, Dr. Gene.

[LeisaWilkins]

If we are depressed primarily due to spiritual reasons, we should share our concerns with God and seek comfort from other brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. We have a great High Priest who understands our feelings because He experienced them also. Our relationship with the Father should be such that we can, and should, bring everything to Him.

Jesus’ words to His disciples, regarding their falling asleep while He was agonizing in the garden is a reminder to us of the importance of prayer, especially when we don’t feel like it. His reminder lets us know that while others may say they will pray for us the cares of life can cause them to lose focus. No one can feel your anguish the way you do and understand your fervency in prayer. While we may ask others to pray for us, it’s important that we pray for ourselves.

Personally, I don’t see spiritual depression in the garden. What I see is Jesus agonizing about the taking on the sins of the world, being spiritually separated from His Father. I see Him coming to terms with the cost and submitting to the will of His Father while expecting His Father to strengthen Him for the journey. Depression just isn’t a word I associate with Jesus.

No matter what we go through our loving Abba Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are right here with us to help us through it.

Be Encouraged!