Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my king and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest. But I, by Your great love, can come into Your house. [Psalm 5:1-7]
Holy Spirit I feel oppressed these last few days. Depression has hit me like a tidal wave. I listen to many of my students who do nothing but complain, talk about meaningless stuff or very evil sinful stuff, and think they are somebody. While I remember my son who is no more, who worked his butt off to learn and get good grades so he could really do some good in life. Nothing in this life ever seems to be fair. Then I remember God is not about fairness, He is a just God and all things are on His timetable because He is God and I am not. I remember that I too was a sinner and had pride and sin in my life. I also remember that I am to renew my mind daily so that I do not get caught up in Satan’s lies about how I should view life. I know depression is not a sin and it is a real struggle. I also know that nothing is impossible for God. I constantly must remind myself that I have a hope that far surpasses all my failures, desires, and depression. I have hope that I will make it through life and see Jesus in the end. I have a hope that joy will come in the morning. I have a hope that gives me joy which gives me strength. I remember that faith the size of a mustard seed is not much but it can grow. I must push on to grow, to love, to forgive, to seek, and to know. I must pray until something happens. I must trust in God’s plan for mine always fails. I must remember that I have already won through Christ I just have to finish strong.
Holy Spirit, I pray for all the people today who suffer from depression or anxiety. I pray for strength for them to face today and to seek You for tomorrow. I pray they will get around people who can inspire hope in them. I pray they will find solid friends who will be honest and forgiving. I pray that they can persevere like Joseph when he was in prison, David when he was running from Saul, and Job when even his wife gave up on him and his integrity. Help me to rejoice, sing, and testify daily to Your love so like Paul and Silas I will not let the chains hold me still or quiet.
Holy Spirit I pray for many of my friends who need healing either physically or mentally.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:3-5)