Why Depressed?

Advent

(our theme for December)

Psalm 42:2-5

My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and see God’s face? My tears have been my food both day and night, as people constantly questioned me, “Where’s your God now?”

But I remember these things as I bare my soul: how I made my way to the mighty one’s abode, to God’s own house, with joyous shouts and thanksgiving songs—a huge crowd celebrating the festival! Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God. (Psalm 42:2-5)

I had my 50th High School reunion recently. It brought back many memories, not least being reminders of favorite songs from the 1970s. They stuck with me, not just because they were good songs (although, of course, they were excellent), but because many of them incorporated techniques to make them memorable, like strong, repetitive choruses.

I may have trouble remembering why I walked into a room, but I can remember every word of “American Pie” by Don McClean, especially the chorus.

In the twenty-first century, it’s easy to forget that what we know as the Book of Psalms served as Israel’s hymnal. And just as with modern songs, many of them had strong choruses. Scholars believe Psalm 42 and 43 were originally a single song, partly because of the repeated chorus that appears in both. And just as songs uplifted my spirits in the challenging days of high school and songs of worship uplift our souls today, the chorus of Psalm 42 and 43 encouraged the Israelites in Babylonian exile. These psalms capture the deep sense of displacement and spiritual deprivation felt by those who could no longer worship in the Temple. The chorus of verse five doesn’t say, “Why are you so depressed? Just cheer up! Things will get better.” They could hope in God because they had his promise (such as in Isaiah 43) that the exile would end and they would return home.

Let’s pray.

Dear God, we live in a stressful time. It is easy to get depressed, hard to stay upbeat. We are grateful for realistic hope in your promises! When we get discouraged, remind us of your promises and your support. In Jesus’s name, Amen!

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.