This year, over 20 million people in the U.S. will experience depression that severely impairs their ability to function. Depression hits us so hard that we stop trying. We're immobilized. We're held captive by the hopelessness and despair that grips our souls. Over our lifetimes, one out of every five people will experience a major depressive disorder.
For some, the depression never goes away. There's someone in the Bible who knew what it meant to be in the pit of despair. His name was David, and he shows us how to get out.
Psalm 41:4 tells us that David, clearly depressed, encouraged himself by remembering what God had done for him in the past.
David led such a traumatic life that he may have dealt with depression many times. Yet, David turned to God.
Verse one says, "He turned to me and heard my cry." Other translations say, "He bent down and heard my cry." I love that picture: you cry out, and God turns to you. Then He leans down to hear what's on your heart. So tell Him. God is listening.
He sees you. He understands you. And His heart is for you. Expect God to lift you out of the pit of despair.