I had a hard time shaking off depression in the weeks following the holidays. One Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago, I cried out to God for help, and He spoke in my regular Bible reading, which just happened to include Psalm 71 that day. Here is a little of what He said in the chapter. It was a rhema word (meaning it "jumped off the page," figuratively speaking):
“Be not far from me, O God. Come quickly, O my God to help me. May my accusers perish in shame; May those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more…though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.” ~ Psalm 71:12-14, 20-21.
I underlined the part about hope because it was God speaking straight to my heart. In the weeks and months ahead, anytime I am tempted to believe that it is hopeless I can read this entry and remember that I WILL ALWAYS HAVE HOPE. God has not deserted me; He is just refining me and pulling me closer to Him.
I am broken tonight, again, as I was on that day in early January; but I will always have HOPE. Thank you Jesus!
