A Prayer About Depression in its Many Forms

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior, and my God.” Psalm 43:5

I have often said that Christians sometimes say the stupidest things. Welcome to this new week of Freedom Fighter blogs. We appreciate you engaging with us each day, Monday-Friday.

Over the years, I have known a number of good friends who battle depression. I have heard well-meaning Christians say to some of my friends, “You can’t be a Christian and be depressed.” Or “if you are battling depression, there must be sin in your life.” Or how about this one, “You just have to buck it up, after all, God is sovereign.”

I have read Psalm 43:5 so often in my devotional readings for some reason. For many, these are really depressing times. People have lost their jobs, their finances are in the hopper, and for some, they have, or someone they love, has been infected with the COVID-19 virus. And sadly, some have lost loved ones to this horrible infection.

Depression is running rampant in our country right now. Like it or not, there are Christians who struggle with depression. In fact, one of the world’s most quoted theologians and one who is most quoted in sermons battled depression for most of his life – Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Recently I dusted off my copy of Pastor Scotty Smith’s book, Everyday Prayers – 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith. This weekend’s I read his prayer about depression. I thought it was worth sharing with you. Either you are in a depression, or most likely, you know someone.

Kindhearted Father, my heart goes out today, and my prayers reach up on behalf of those who struggle with depression. I have friends who live all along the axis from mild melancholy to the relentless pangs of suicidal depression. Father of mercies, teach me how to love in the dark places.

Thank you for rescuing me from simplistic views of depression. It’s not as simple a condition as I used to think. I grieve the ways I used to counsel the depressed, and it saddens me to realize how much pressure I put on them to get better and “get over it.”

David asked the right question in a season of duress: “Why, my soul, are you downcast?” (Ps. 43:5 NIV). Indeed, Father, what are the various reasons for a downcast, disturbed soul, and what does hoping in you look like for each?

Father, for my friends who are depressed for no other reason than living with a graceless, gospelless heart, keep them miserable until they rest in the finished work of your Son, Jesus. May they despair of their own unrighteousness and their wannabe righteousness until they are driven to the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus.

 Father, for my friends who suffer from depression generated by anatomical anomalies, lead them to the right kind of medical care. Help us in the community of faith to be patient and understanding of the complexities involved in their care. The risk of abusing medications is always there—give us wisdom together.

Father, for my friends who suffer from depression fueled by the demonic, I really need humility and wisdom. A part of me doesn’t even want to acknowledge that this is an issue, but how can I read your Word and dismiss the demonic so lightly? His condemning, blaming, and shaming voice is enough to generate the deepest forms of despair. Yet those things don’t exhaust his evil arsenal. How are we to care for those under the spell and sway of our defeated, fury-filled foe (Rev. 12:12)?

I do, and I will yet praise you, my Savior, and my God. My hope is in you, Father—for me and for all of my brokenhearted friends. I pray in Jesus’ compassionate and victorious name. Amen.

Smith, Scotty. Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Rather than sit in judgment, I am going to start praying for my friends who are battling depression right now. And my guess is, I may be praying for you!

In His grip,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

If you are battling depression right now, we have folks on our staff that would love to pray with you, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8AM – 4PM. Tell them I told you to call. We are here for you.

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

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Think About This: “Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. … He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.” ― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8-12| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

⁷ When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. –Proverbs 16:6-7

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.