Facing Discouragement And DepressionSample

Remember God…

“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. O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.” (see Psalm 42:5-6)

I read a story once about a school teacher who wrote the 9s times tables on a chalkboard. She wrote,

9x1=7
9x2=18
9x3=27
9x4=36
9x5=45
9x6=54
9x7=63
9x8=72
9x9=81
9x10=90

When she was done, she looked at her students and they were all laughing at her because the first equation was wrong! But she wrote it wrong on purpose...she told them that while she did 9 of the facts right and only 1 wrong, she was laughed at and criticized for making just one mistake! Similarly, the world would treat them that way...only focusing on the wrong things over the good they do. She exhorted them to stay strong and always rise above the laughter and criticism!

We can draw a parallel between this impactful story and our faith. Do we sometimes forget the right things GOD has done for us? While God never does anything wrong in our lives, seasons of heartbreak, pain, illness, and sorrow do come. When they do, where do we fix our thoughts?

If your soul is cast down today, and you are in a discouraging season, I encourage you to do what David did and remember God and His goodness.

The psalmist writes, “...“This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.” (see Psalm 77:10-12 and its context) 

The Bible also says in Lamentations, “This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”” (Lamentations 3:21-24)

There is power in remembrance!

Today, if you would like, make a list of all God has done and think on those things. When has He healed or delivered you? Has He ever left you? Has His love and goodness remained unconditional in your life? What miracles has He done for you, even today?

Yes, great is His faithfulness to us!

Be abundantly blessed today.

Thanks for existing!