Deliverance from Despair
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.
Psalm 42:5
Recommended Reading
Job 3:1-26
Many new Christians are surprised, if not shocked, to discover that some of the greatest saints in history suffered from moments of despair, even depression. The prophet Jeremiah cursed the day of his own birth (Jeremiah 20:14) and the prophet Elijah pleaded with the Lord to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). And no one could fault Job for a chapter's worth of laments that he had ever been born (Job 3).
The single most encompassing verse in Scripture about despondency is found three times in Psalms (42:5, 11; 43:5). In the first half of the verse, the psalmist acknowledges that his soul is "cast down" and "disquieted" within him. Being honest about one's condition is an important first step. But the psalmist doesn't end there. He immediately tells himself, "Hope in God." He looks to the future and says, "I shall yet praise Him for [His] help." Identifying the problem is good, but moving to God's solution--hope--is better.
If you are downcast today, admit it to yourself and God. And then confess your hope in Him and praise Him for his help.
The Christian's chief occupational hazards are depression and discouragement.
John R. W. Stott
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