Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, August 30, 2021
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I have a history of clinical depression. Even with the excellent control provided by medication, I can still experience down days or even weeks. One of the hardest things about dealing with depression is the feeling that it will never end, that it will just become my new “normal.” That’s a terrifying thought.
One of the things that gives me hope in those moments is remembering that I’ve been there before and I’ve always come out the other side. These words of the psalmist really resonate with me—I hope in God knowing that I will again be capable of praise, of joy. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
Healing God, you hold me in my darkest times and bring me again into the joy of living. Remind me always to hope in you. Amen.
[Note: I can’t stress enough that when clinical depression rendered me non-functional in my twenties, I got professional help. I talk about my experience openly to let others know there is no shame in having depression and no shame in needing medication or therapy to manage it. These things gave me my life back. So if this is you, I hope you will know you’re not alone, that help is available, and that this doesn’t have to be your new normal.]
