Read Psalm 42:1-6a
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, ‘Where is this God of yours?’ My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!"
Discover
1. What evidence of the psalmist’s spiritual drought do you see in this passage?
2. With what emotions does he seem to recall corporate worship?
3. What two questions does he ask of his depression?
Respond
Most of us are naturally pain avoiders. Our first response to pain is usually, “How can I eliminate this?” instead of, “Why am I experiencing this?” Instead of trying to ignore the pain or gloss over it with positive thoughts, ask the same questions from this Psalm: Why am I so sad? Why am I discouraged? Take some time now or set aside time in the near future to journal, pray, and get to the root of these questions. If seeing a professional is something you think God may be leading you to, find a good list of resources here.
For Further Reading: Spiritual Depression in the Psalms
*For more practical resources related to this week’s readings, visit tpcc.org/depression.
**TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.
For Families with Kids at Home
Pray for your kids today—pray that their hope, purpose, and comfort would come from God. Ask God to help you see when your kids are wanting to avoid pain, and that he would equip you with what you need to guide them toward Jesus.