Bright Spots in the Darkness
Meditations When You Are Depressed
by
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Psalms 121
“I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1–2 On life’s journey the enemy of depression is out to harm us.
The words of this Psalm are a prayer-song of the Hebrews as they made their pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.
There were dangers along the way. Stumbling and falling was a threat. Robbers hid along the way to steal from travelers.
But the Psalmist realizes that there is joy in their destination. Now there are dangers but there will be joy in the morning. Traveling up the mountain is not easy. But to be in the temple of God will be worth it.
Envision our destination on the other side of depression.
What will life be like for you on the other side of depression?
What will it be like to no longer feel hopeless? Or helpless? When your anger is replaced by a calm patience? When you are interested in your hobbies once again?
What will it be like when you can concentrate once again? When we rejoice in our self-worth? When we affirm ourselves?
Instead of looking down, look up occasionally. (I say that because on my depressive days I literally look down. When l physically lift my eyes it makes a difference.) Look to the God who watches over you.
Our spiritual life is important on our day to day depression management. Spiritual practices such as reading scripture, writing our prayers to God, contemplation, and engaging with positive people have a profound influence on our day to day mood. Humor can be spiritual, too. No, I don’t mean “church jokes”, though they can be funny if you have spent much time in church. Norman Cousins explored the effect of humor during an illness. He found that 10 minutes of “belly laughter” gave him two hours of painless sleep. (He wrote about his experience in Anatomy of An Illness.)
TV networks use laughter tracks in their sitcoms, to draw the audience into laughing. Laughter can be caught and make some relief. Look Up!
“the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Ps 121:8
“God thank you for the good days I have.”
Questions
What are some of the things you particularly look forward to on the other side of depression?
Do you find yourself literally looking down when you are depressed? Does it make a difference to physically look up?
What are some of your spiritual tools for managing depression?
Did you have a time this last week that was good? Can you describe it?
What are things that make you laugh?
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About the Book
It’s time for depression to come out of the church closet. Often, the church’s reaction to those depressed is, “Just get over it,” “You have hidden sins in your life,” “Pray more,” “Have greater faith,” or “Read your Bible more.”
People would never say to a diabetic, “This is all in your head. Quit taking insulin.” Nor would they say to someone with a broken leg, “Just get up and walk.” Those who are depressed take these messages, and it makes them feel more guilty instead of understood, driving them further from getting help.
Bright Spots in the Darkness offers inspiration, action points to manage depression and Bible promises. Bright Spots does not offer a quick and easy cure. Severe depression is not usually solved quickly or with self-help books. This book takes depression seriously and offers help along the journey.
About the Author
Rick is a recently retired American Baptist pastor who has suffered from bipolar disease throughout his forty-year ministry. Bright Spots was birthed from his personal and professional experience. He and his wife, Nancy, have been married for forty-three years. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Rick enjoys bicycling, reading, and cruising down main street in his ’66 Mustang. His favorite name is Gampa.
There are more free devotions and articles on the author’s website, www.rickqualls.com.