Be Still and Know Daily Bible Devotion - October 19th - Psalm 143:7-8

Psalm 143:7-8 Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Depression is tragically common and is one of the world’s most pervasive health conditions. It is estimated that one in three women and one in five men have an episode of major depression by the age of 65. King David clearly had many times of depression and, in this psalm, he revealed the depth of his despair. He had been pursued by his enemy and been knocked to the ground. He described himself as losing all hope and being paralysed by fear. Many famous people through history have suffered from depression. Twenty years before he became US President, Abraham Lincoln wrote: “I am now the most miserable man living. Whether I shall ever be better I cannot tell; I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible.” It was said that “melancholy dripped from him as he walked”. But despite his depression, God was able to use Lincoln in amazing ways. In his depression, David turned to God. Each morning he reminded himself of the unfailing love of the Lord. He was confident that God would save him and guide his steps. If you ever meet someone suffering from depression, there is nothing better that you can do than to encourage them to follow David’s example. Question How would you seek to help someone experiencing depression? Prayer Lord God, I pray for those who are depressed today. May they find Your peace. Amen