1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
I have said this before, but it bears repeating. . .
Memorizing God’s Word has saved my life.
Literally.
I do not know why God has not chosen to take away the intrusive depressive thoughts that assault my soul. Yes, I have asked. He has answered.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I am intensely grateful that Pastor Charles Spurgeon was honest about his battle with depression. . .
“I am the subject of depression so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to. But I always get back again by this–I know that I trust Christ. I have no reliance but in Him, and if He falls, I shall fall with Him. But if He does not, I shall not. Because He lives, I shall live also.” C.H. Spurgeon
What I do know, is that every time the assaulting thoughts come in —
God is there. Every time. His faithfulness is constant.
When Jesus told his disciples that “[He would] ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17), Jesus kept his promise.
God has given me His Word. His Word strengthens my soul. His Word comforts me in my affliction. His Word assures me that He is enough. Ephesians 6: 10ff. . .
When I take up the belt of truth, I choose to believe God’s Word is true, despite what I feel;
when I put on the breastplate of righteousness, I believe that in Christ I am a new creation;
when I put on the shoes of the readiness (preparedness) given by the gospel of peace, I believe that God loves me, and He is for me. In Christ, I am no longer an enemy of God, but His dear child;
when I take up the shield of faith, I believe that God is true, and He always tells the truth (and the devil always lies);
when I put on the helmet of salvation, I am assured that I am God’s beloved child;
when I take up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, I believe that God has given me the tools to fight. And I can pray always with all prayer and supplication (specific prayer in concrete situations) and know that God is not only listening, but He has given me the tools to win!
But that does not mean that the fight is not bloody, or hard-won, or exhausting. . .
You may never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have. — Corrie ten Boom
He truly is enough. . .and my soul is getting stronger . . .
Plea for Grace 