“The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, save me!'”
Psalm 116:3-4
February is a time of year when many people suffer from depression. Whether it’s the cold, damp days or the long, dreary nights, this seems to be a season when people are easily overcome by trouble or sorrow. And what better words describe the living death of deep depression than Psalm 116?
There was a time during the early years of my paralysis when I could not even bring myself to talk about the depression that overwhelmed me. I did nothing, I said nothing. The look on my face was one of sullen, numb despair. I felt strangled by the cords of a living death, just as it says in the psalm. I didn’t even care if there was a cure for my depression.
Thank God, there was a cure. Several friends met with my church youth leader every week to pray specifically and committedly for me, asking God to push back the darkness in my life. Changes did not happen overnight, but slowly my countenance began to brighten. God was using the prayers of my friends to sever the cords of deathly despair that entangled me. Praise God for friends who are willing to call on the name of the Lord on my behalf.
If you are feeling slump-shouldered today, call on the name of the Lord and ask Him to save you. Remember, you may feel overcome by trouble and sorrow, but He who has overcome the world can deliver you.
Gracious Lord, I praise You for offering peace and hope in the midst of depression. Save me from deadly feelings that entangle and pull me down into a grave of defeat and despair. Your powerful name saves!
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
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