"A REMEDY FOR DEPRESSION" (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 9/29/26

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

Most of us know something about seasons of depression. They can be a sore trial, and how to deal with them can seem a herculean task. Notice the words that the writer uses to describe himself: “cast down” and “disquieted.” The first looks backward, the second looks forward. The godly man had been "cast down" by what had already occurred. He was "disquieted" by what might yet be.

At the opening of the verse, our psalmist asks himself, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" In times of depression, it is wise to make our emotions give account of their behavior as a first step; understanding where your emotions are coming from is an important place to start healing. This usually lays bare certain causes which can be counteracted. Earlier in the psalm he notes three: First, there was interrupted communion with God as his "soul thirsteth for God." He hadn’t been in the Lord’s presence in a while and was feeling it, like a fish deprived of life-saving water. If we are really born again, depression will come if the new nature in us is denied communion with God. Another source was misunderstandings and doubts by others. They mockingly ask, “Where is your God?" Stuff like this, especially by those who are dear to us, can be dejecting and disconcerting. The third contributor to this good man's depression was unhelpful brooding over the past. It is a strange characteristic of our human nature that we find a tempting appeal in dwelling hopelessly on the past. Almost always when we become broody, we become moody.

Self-interrogation leads to self-exhortation. But is this self-exhortation as intelligent as it is brave? It is. The trouble-beset writer has found the true sources of hope. First, he resolves that instead of merely remembering the past, he will fixedly remember God. He proclaims, "My soul is cast down within me; therefore, will I remember Thee!” Next, there is new-found confidence in God's sympathy, faithfulness, and presence. The psalmist trusts in the Lord’s lovingkindness fully; knowing that His song will be with him always. This is a great improvement: even in the darkest times, a song! Finally, there is the resolve to pray it through, which is recorded in Psalm 43.

Thus, this godly man rose above his cloudy depression into clear shining skies, literally singing the Lord’s praises. His circumstances were not yet changed, but he himself was. Does this speak to you? If you find yourself in a time of depression, you can always turn to and rely on the Lord. He can and should be your hope and your confidence, even when the night seems darkest.