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The last time I called on my friend, The Psalmist, at Psalm 42 & 43, he helped me see the importance of honestly facing up to the reality of depression and discouragement in my life in the present. If I am feeling depressed or discouraged, I do myself no favours by pretending otherwise.
What I noticed next was the way he turned his attention to the past. He said,
"I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshippers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!" (42/4).
What I was reminded of in a my last visit was the importance of the big picture - especially the place of the past - and not to be locked into the immediate present as I seek to deal with depression and discouragement. The fact is that I know what it is to be depression-free. In the 'blah' of the present, it is all too easy to lose sight of that fact.
As I thought about the Psalmist's reflections, I was reminded of the importance of remembering and reflecting on the past. I know we are not to live in the past but time and again in the Old Testament the people of God were called upon to "remember". A quick look at my concordance confirmed this impression. Memory can serve us very well.
I also note that my friend not only remembered the past in terms of what he himself experienced of God; he also remembered the faithfulness of God to his forefathers. "Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you - " (42/5).
As I pondered that principle, I recalled how many times I have found inspiration in rehearsing to others those experiences in which God met with me and provided in ways that were undeniably of Him. Somehow, in the telling, there came a lift to my spirit. In the light of all that, I made the conscious decision to be more pro-active in this discipline of recalling what the Lord has done in my life in days gone by and being thankful for those experiences.
I found myself humming that great song from back in the days of the Billy Graham Crusades…..
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, my constant friend is He,
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me,
"Let not your heart be troubled." His tender voice I hear
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear;
For by the path He leads me but one step I may see,
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
It's no wonder I enjoy my visits to my friend at Psalm 42 & 43!! However, there are still other insights to be gained and I'm looking forward to my next visit in the next day or two.
