Despair

For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength, (Psalm 88:3-4 ESV) Darkness, sadness, hopelessness, or depression - these heavy-hearted feelings go by several names. They have varying levels of severity and length. They can have discernible causes or no cause at all. Everyone has felt it at some level. How do we respond? Does the scripture ever express such a feeling? Does it provide any guidance or hope? This week in our series in the Psalms: Devotion and Emotion, we deal with the emotion of despair. I want to encourage you to read Psalm 88. One commentator called it the ‘darkest corner of the Psalms’. I so appreciate it’s honesty and crying rawness. Take a few minutes before Sunday to read and listen to this Psalmist's heart. I promise this week will not be a ‘take-two-verses and call me in the morning’ solution for depression. But, I believe it will provide some perspective and hope for us as we struggle in our dark moments. Plan to be there.