07-20-2019, 04:27 PM
LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Saturday, July 20, 2019.
OVERCOMING DEPRESSION (II)
READ: Psalm 42:1-11
MEMORISE:
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God (Psalms 42:11)
EXPOSITION
There are people of God who experienced depression in their lifetimes in the Bible. David is one of such persons. Despite being a man after God’s heart, he battled deep despair. In many of his Psalms, he referred to his anguish, loneliness, fear of the enemy, heart-cry over sin, among others. Many of his prayer points are prayer of one being threatened and victimized. But there are things unique about this man.
First, he regularly admitted his depression (Psa. 42:5,6,11; 43:5). When you are depressed, recognize it and search for why the depression. In other places, David’s honesty with his own weakness gives hope to us who struggle today. In Psalm 38:4, he says, *For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.* When you are depressed, don’t hide it, especially if it comes from your own mistakes. Learn to forgive yourself, knowing that only God is infallible.
Second, in times of depression, David craved and sought God’s presence. He yearned for the house of Yahweh (Psa. 5:7; 27:4; 42:1-4; 69:9). Never allow your despair to prevent you from being in God’s presence and house (Heb. 10:25). You are relieved, and receive divine blessings, when you fellowship with brethren. Also, David sought God in prayer. He learnt to present his cases before God in prayer (Psa. 5:3; 55:17; 88:13). When you are depressed, never allow negative thoughts to occupy your heart. In fervent and focused prayer, present your own case to God (Phil. 4:6; Jas. 5:14).
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, strengthen my prayer life to face the challenges of life.
2. I ask for the presence of God to continue with me in times of trouble, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name.
3. Pray for the revival of old-time biblical attitude to prayer, in our churches and lives, to reduce Satan’s influence in our homes, affairs and ministries.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Esther. 3:3 – 7:5; Acts 17:22 – 18:9
Saturday, July 20, 2019.
OVERCOMING DEPRESSION (II)
READ: Psalm 42:1-11
MEMORISE:
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God (Psalms 42:11)
EXPOSITION
There are people of God who experienced depression in their lifetimes in the Bible. David is one of such persons. Despite being a man after God’s heart, he battled deep despair. In many of his Psalms, he referred to his anguish, loneliness, fear of the enemy, heart-cry over sin, among others. Many of his prayer points are prayer of one being threatened and victimized. But there are things unique about this man.
First, he regularly admitted his depression (Psa. 42:5,6,11; 43:5). When you are depressed, recognize it and search for why the depression. In other places, David’s honesty with his own weakness gives hope to us who struggle today. In Psalm 38:4, he says, *For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.* When you are depressed, don’t hide it, especially if it comes from your own mistakes. Learn to forgive yourself, knowing that only God is infallible.
Second, in times of depression, David craved and sought God’s presence. He yearned for the house of Yahweh (Psa. 5:7; 27:4; 42:1-4; 69:9). Never allow your despair to prevent you from being in God’s presence and house (Heb. 10:25). You are relieved, and receive divine blessings, when you fellowship with brethren. Also, David sought God in prayer. He learnt to present his cases before God in prayer (Psa. 5:3; 55:17; 88:13). When you are depressed, never allow negative thoughts to occupy your heart. In fervent and focused prayer, present your own case to God (Phil. 4:6; Jas. 5:14).
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, strengthen my prayer life to face the challenges of life.
2. I ask for the presence of God to continue with me in times of trouble, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name.
3. Pray for the revival of old-time biblical attitude to prayer, in our churches and lives, to reduce Satan’s influence in our homes, affairs and ministries.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Esther. 3:3 – 7:5; Acts 17:22 – 18:9