From Depression to Hope

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I hope in Him!” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. —Lamentations 3: 21-26 

As is usually the case, it was thinking about himself that caused Jeremiah’s depression. But when he changed his way of thinking— from himself to God— the depression left. When he remembered God and meditated on His character, peace and hope filled his mind.  

**When hopelessness vanishes, hope takes its place. 

Instead of thinking about himself, Jeremiah thought about God’s nature. He thought about the Lord’s mercy, through which we are not consumed. He thought about God’s faithfulness. God always does exactly what He says He will do, and He is able to bring forth good out of the deepest mess. He thought about the fact that the Lord is our portion. What more could we want or need? He thought about the goodness of God, who works all things together for our benefit.  

Then Jeremiah concluded that it is good to “hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”  

Are you worried today? Change your thoughts. Don’t meditate on your pain— meditate on your Savior. Set your eyes on Jesus and remember His character. His love has never failed you. His mercies are new every morning.  

Father, help us set our eyes on You instead of ourselves.  Fill our hearts with Your hope and love today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS The Lord has taught me; when you are greatly distressed put on a (proverbial) apron and go serve somewhere or someone in need. Your stress will disappear! Children’s ministry? ALF Asst Living, Soup kitchen, teach discipleship to s young person…..Great Commission saints! Focus! The Rapture of the church is on the horizon….signs everywhere!