God isn’t surprised!
There are so many misconceptions that come with depression.
Many people believe that when we are walking through a deep valley of depression, that somehow God is surprised by it, that He didn't see it coming, or even worse, that He is disappointed in us for feeling that way. But that's simply not true!
The Bible, as an extension of God Himself, isn't shocked by our sadness. It's not a book that scolds us or offers a simple fix. Instead, the Bible is a calm and steady presence, a gentle hand to hold on to, when the path ahead seems too dark to even find. The Bible has become my faithful friend, a true companion, as I walk through my own dark night of the soul, reminding me that God hasn't left me alone in the struggle.
It even helps me find words for prayer when my throat feels too tight to whisper anything at all. I'm so grateful for Romans 8:26, which says, "...the Spirit helps us in our weakness." (Romans 8:26, NIV)
That means the Bible doesn't promise our pain is going to vanish tomorrow, but it does promise to be a lamp to our feet, lighting each small step, even when we can't see the whole path.
So, how do we keep moving forward when we feel lost? Well, that's where a psalm like Psalm 77 can be a real lifeline. The writer, Asaph, doesn't hide his pain. Listen to him speak: "When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night, I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak." (Psalm 77:2-4, NIV)
Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever cried out to God with those hard, difficult questions? I need you to know that God is not taken aback by our tears or our doubts. No, He knows our full hearts and stories already, and even in the deepest darkness, we can keep coming back to him, the God who is a light and promises to shine once more.
There's a beautiful moment in Psalm 77; it's a real turning point. The writer doesn't find all his answers, but his perspective begins to shift. He says in verses 10 and 11, "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 long ago.’" (Psalm 77:10-11, NIV)
There are times when we search our lives for a sign of God's work, and we just come up empty. We have to remember we have a long history of God's mighty acts in the Bible, and we can hold on to those every single day… And that's what Asaph does! He appeals to what God has already done in the past, even when he can't see what God is doing in the present. It doesn't instantly clear his cloudy skies, but it gives him something to hold on to, and we can hold on to it as well!
We're saved by the very same God, and we're given the very same hope! We can remember the greatest of all of his deeds and everything he's done for us through Christ Jesus.
So, as you and I walk this path together, no matter how dark it may seem right now, remember that God is with you, and the Bible is a lamp, a warm, steady guide, showing you the next step ahead.
Take a moment and look back. Is there a part of your story, or God's wonderful story, that even though it happened in the far distant past, you could still hold on to it today? Do that and be filled with hope, and never forget, my friend, you are a miracle.
