“Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:21-26
God reassures me that no matter how I feel he will never abandon me. He will never forsake me. It is upon this fact that He encourages me to not be discouraged. It seems that the way God deals with depression is to assure me of facts – and it is upon the basis of certain facts that I overcome my feelings.
How exactly does this work? Consider Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Paul suggests that I recognize the fact that there are always good things that I can think about. The beauty of God’s creation remains a fact regardless of whether I look at it. A sunrise or sunset is still beautiful even if I’m having a bad day. Gravity works and is still an amazing fact that keeps me from floating into the abyss of space even when I am depressed. It is these kinds of facts that Paul wants me to fill my mind with. It helps me to become grateful, and gratitude is an essential tool in lifting my spirits.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 – Just like God had great plans for Israel, I can be assured that God has great plans for me and my future destiny.