Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Psalm 42

Depression is a passive, continual feeling of sadness that seems to linger. It is an attitude that nothing feels good or is worth feeling good about; it is compounded by a state of constant hopelessness.

Depression is a valid and dangerous health crisis. Christians can struggle with depression.

King David was a man after God’s own heart. Yet, in Psalm 42, he admits to a spiritual dryness, endless tears, and feeling shame and defeat. He lingers over the memories of what once was, and he admits he’s overwhelmed by his circumstances.

This honest and unfortunately familiar prayer reminds us that we can’t ignore this severe problem. We must learn how to deal with depression and realize our spiritual provision.

First, we must look inward and honestly, firmly, ask ourselves why we’re cast down.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? (Psalm 42:5).

We must close the door, figure out what happened. Whether it is circumstantial or clinical, we must get it out in the open so we can look at it and understand its effect.

Then, we can look upward in faith.

“The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8).

Whether we understand it or not, whether we’ve analyzed it correctly or not, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to trust in Him. He is our Rock, strong and tender, who named every star in the sky and binds up every wound.

Finally, we must look onward and focus on the future.

“Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5).

No matter what’s happening to us, it is not God’s final plan.

Adrian Rogers says, “God is too good to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. When we cannot trace His hand, we can trust His heart.”

This is the sure promise in the midst of our depression: Our God will see us through. God has not forsaken us; He never has and He never will.

Apply it to your life

Are you down, feeling hopeless, or battling depression? Look inward, upward, and onward. There is hope, and it begins with trusting Jesus, even when things don’t make sense. Choose to praise Him, even when it hurts.