Psalm 43:5
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?”

According to studies, one in 10 people are affected by depression at some point in their lives, with up to 10 times more people suffering from depression now than in 1945.

The most worrying thing is most of them won’t reach for assistance because they believe that depression is a personal weakness.

Now, let’s make an important distinction here. If you are clinically depressed it could be due to a chemical imbalance in your body, and a doctor can help you.

But the bible can help if you are feeling sad or hopeless, as it provides wisdom on how to recover. Your situation won’t be solved with a few clichés or a good pick me up from a friend. What you need is wisdom that is from above. (James 3:17 KJV)

After calling down fire from heaven, Elijah sat down….and prayed that he might die’ (1 Kings 19:4 NKJV). Fortunately, he turned to the right source. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up” (1 Kings 19:5 NIV 2011 Edition).

Now, God may not send you an angel, but he will answer you, lift and restore you. The psalmist said; why my soul, are you so downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my saviour and my God.’

Who is David talking to? Himself! First, he talked to God about his problem; that’s what you do in prayer.

Next, he listened to God about his problem; that’s what you do when you read scriptures and speak them over your life. That strategy works. It worked for David — and it will work for you too.