Depression
can be a debilitating illness for many people. Their days are like a vapor and
disappear without any productive achievements, their bones ache, their heart
withers like grass, they have no appetite and lose weight, they groan and moan,
they lose sleep, they feel lonely and abandoned, and tears are a constant
companion for them (Psalm 102:3-9).
However,
there is always hope for us in God. Although He sits on His throne in Heaven, our
Father God is not oblivious to our concerns. He blesses us with favors, His
compassion never fails us, He strengthens us and builds us up, He hears our
prayers, and He takes our issues seriously (Psalm 102:12-17).
Even
in the midst of debilitating trials, we can turn the tide of our feelings by
praising and worshipping the Lord. Our Father God laid the foundation of the
earth, and the heavens are full of His glorious works. We simply take time
during the day to enjoy them.
Although
the earth will eventually perish and wear out, God never changes and He always
remains the same. We and our descendants, who trust Him with their life, will
enjoy His presence forever (Psalm 102:25-28). He is our ageless God of
eternity.
At
times, God allows us to suffer problems too heavy for us to carry, but He
always hears our prayers, and He yokes up with us and helps us to bear these
issues so that we are never alone (Psalm 102:18-24). His presence within us is
tangible and intimate.
When
we consider His ways and enjoy all of His benefits, our soul, in our inmost
being, cannot help but to erupt in praises to Him throughout our day and night.
He forgives our sins, heals our illnesses, redeems us from the pit of hell, and
satisfies us with all good things (Psalm 103:1-4).
Our
Daddy God showers us with His love and compassions, and renews our strength
like the eagle's. He works to restore innocence and justice for the oppressed.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve, because He is slow to anger and
abounds in love and mercy (Psalm 103:5-11).
Our
Heavenly Father remembers that He made us from dust, as mortals who whither
like the grass; therefore, because of His great love for us, He tosses the
thought of our sins as far away as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12-16).
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You for loving all those who fear You, who remain faithful to our
covenant with You, and who obey Your precepts - even our children and future
generations of our descendants if they will trust in You. We live in praise to
You (Psalm 103:17-22). Our thoughts, emotions and choices reflect our love for
You. You are great, clothed in splendor and majesty, and wrapped in light
(Psalm 104:1-2).
The
clouds are Your chariots, and You ride on the wings of the wind. You stretch
out the earth like a tent, with the beams of Your chambers on the upper
atmosphere of the earth. You use nature and natural disasters as Your servants
to allow patience to do her perfect work in us. You send us messages to protect
us, to redirect us, and to teach what is truly valuable in this life (Psalm
104:2-4). We praise You with our whole heart.
Thought
for the Day:
All
of nature is created by the Lord, and serves as His tools to speak to His
people; He sets boundaries for creation, and it cannot walk contrary to His
will, and even the animals look to God for their provision.
-
Psalm 104:5-22
