Pastor’s confession. I feel drained and discouraged.

There are highs and lows in pastoral ministry, but today, I am in a season of struggling in deep sorrow and suffering. I am not seeking sympathy or affirmation here.

My prayer this morning is this…. “Lord, I believe, but please help me with my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23). 

Depression Is Not a Modern Issue  

Unlike the DSM-5, medical doctors make depression a modern problem. 

However, depression is old as human have been existent. I see throughout Scripture where many men struggled with deep seated depression. 

• Elijah: “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life” (1 Kings 19:4). 

• David: “I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning.” (Ps 38:6). 

• Moses: “If you will treat me like this, kill me at once” (Num 11:15). 

• Jonah: “O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:3). 

• Job: “My skin turns black and falls from me, and my bones burn with heat.” (Job 30:30). 

• Solomon: “Sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” (Prov 15:13). 

Has God left men to simply struggle in their sorrow and not a way to find hope? I believe the book of Psalms gives great hope and great comfort for believers. 

Psalms that Help People Deal with Depression 

Here are 10 verses I turn to find comfort and hope in Christ. 

1. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation” (Ps 42:5). 

2. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Ps 91:1-2). 

3. “The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” (Ps 18:4-6). 

4. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea” (Ps 46:1-2). 

5. “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Ps 34:4). 

6. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps 27:1). 

7. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps 23:4). 

8. “With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit faints within me, you know my way!” (Ps 142:1-3) 

9. “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness” (Ps 30:11). 

10. “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” (Ps 60:1-3). 

What are other psalms you would add to this list?

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