Scripture

Psalm 143:6-7 (NLT)

I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

Consider

Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, suffered from depression.

Anyone who has struggled with depression knows its paralyzing effects and tunnel vision. David was no exception. Why does he complain of thirst for God when God is ever present with life-giving water? Because David is in emotional distress so gripping that he cannot perceive God’s loving nearness.

Yet, taken in its entirety, David’s psalm is a song of hope, not despair. David’s friendship with God over the years had built in him a faith so strong that he believed in God’s faithful love even when he could not feel it.

Consequently, in the strength of his faith—not his feelings—he reaches out to God with a list of what he needs to restore his equilibrium (verses 7-12):

• Come quickly.
• Don’t turn away.
• Tell me of your unfailing love.
• Show me where to walk.
• Rescue me from my enemies.
• Hide me.
• Teach me to do your will.
• Lead me forward on firm footing.
• Preserve my life.
• Bring me out of this distress.
• Silence my enemies.
• Destroy my foes.

When darkness closes in on us, whether from without or from within, we can be tempted to despair and believe that God has deserted us. We can feel parched and hopeless and spiritually numb. At such times, may we cling to a faith like David’s! Rather than surrendering to hopelessness, may we cry out to God for rescue, trusting through our blindness that God is indeed close and responsive and ready with the life-giving water we desperately need.

Pray

FATHER, I do believe you are ever near, ever loving, and ever ready to help me. I pray for a faith like David’s, for confidence in you that will turn me toward you when I am emotionally confused and fragile. Help me to remember your faithfulness when darkness threatens me and to trust in your promises.

Reflect

Isaiah 58:11; Hebrews 11:1

Ponder

What daily practices might build faith to sustain you when despair threatens?