THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Lord, they can’t be human. Why should we listen to anyone who claims they never get down in the dumps nor ever have a case of the blues? Believers and non-believers alike get down in our spirits from time to time. 

Many biblical saints experienced depression. Elijah soared to great spiritual heights, then fell into depression and fled into hiding. Many times, Moses became discouraged while leading the nation of Israel. After Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, his disciples hid from authorities, disillusioned, and fearful for their lives.

Perhaps the saint most often falling into the blues was the psalmist David, the great warrior and king. His accomplishments for you, Lord, exalted your name among the nations. But his bad choices created a rollercoaster existence.

There were times his sinful, dry soul couldn’t enjoy your blessings. A dark spirit kept nagging him about his failures. With every slip-up in faith, he knew the ticket out of his funk. He ordered his soul to remember your mighty works and praise you for your faithfulness and all you have done. The blues cannot hand around when praise and worship is being offered.   

He recorded his encouragement for all to implement when the blues come to town.

“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7).

Lord, you gave us an instruction manual detailing your incredible love and how we can return your love by obeying your Word. Knowing these instructions will not benefit us unless we follow what you have instructed us to do. Doing the things you say are necessary—repent of our sins against you, forgive others as we ourselves have been forgiven, love one another as you have loved us— are among many of your precepts, allows your Spirit revives our souls, making us more like you Jesus.

Amen.