When you are troubled and depressed. Psalm 77 - Encouraging short sermons and devotionals compiled by The Commandment Co

Psalm 77 reflects how Asaph maneuvers through his feelings of hopelessness and desperation. His anguish is apparent in the first few verses as he cries out relentlessly to God.

Don’t be afraid to be honest with God he desires to hear the questions and troubles of our hearts - Encouraging short sermons and devotionals compiled by The Commandment Co

Perhaps you can identify with Asaph’s feelings, but note how his first response to his depression is not to fake happiness, but to get honest and cry out to God about his doubts and fears. Likewise, when we are troubled, let us take it to God - He desires to hear and address the questions and troubles of our hearts.

I cry aloud to God aloud to God, and He will hear me in my day of trouble, I sought the Lord. My hands were lifted up all night long I refused to be comforted. PS 77:1-2 - Encouraging short sermons and devotionals compiled by The Commandment Co

As Asaph struggled to fall asleep, his mind drifted into sweeter times of the Lord’s work and of His miracles. He redirected his thoughts to focus on the times that God was close to him and was reminded of the praises that he sung for God.

Pour your heart out to the Lord, for “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saved the crushed in spirit” PS 34:18 - Encouraging short sermons and devotionals compiled by The Commandment Co

Remembering the times God was good to him helped Asaph feel comforted and confident that God would deliver him from his troubles.

Redirect your thoughts and remember how God has been good to you - Encouraging short sermons and devotionals compiled by The Commandment Co

If you feel yourself spiralling, take a step back and look at how God has touched your life previously. List out specific blessings that have touched you today, yesterday, the last week, so on. Perhaps this could help you to see your life through a different lens, and regain the faith that God will see you through your struggles.

Then I thought. “To this I will appeal: the years when the most high stretched out His right hand I will remember the deeds of the Lord; Yes I will remember your miracles of long ago. PS 77:10-11  - Encouraging short sermons and devotionals compiled by The Commandment Co
Sermon by Lloyd Stilley, Lifeway.com. Designed by @beth.low
July 29, 2021 — The Commandment Co