Relief through praise

I know, right?

When we are depressed, one of the last things that we feel like doing is praising God!

Send me your light and your faithful care,
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
    to the place where you dwell.
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.(Psalm 43:3-4)

The psalmist first used his memories of praise to start to lift his spirits. He recalled the times that he had walked in the procession to the temple, and how he'd raised his voice in praise with the throngs of people as they went to worship. He was remembering God's glory and faithfulness in the past, and it began to lift his heart.

Isaiah said much the same thing:

Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
    let this be known to all the world. (Isaiah 12:5)

We may not feel like singing. We can start by thinking, either silently or aloud. Counting our blessings, some people would say -- listing the times and occasions that God has helped us. We will find as we do, our spirits begin to perk up. Even if it's just a little, it may be enough to allow us to say "thank you" and praise Him for His work in our lives.

There are so many verses in our Bibles that include praise to God! Praise is a command -- it's not a feeling, because we humans sometimes don't feel like praising Him. 

Let them praise your great and awesome name—
    he is holy. (Psalm 99:3)

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

If we obey, we often will feel better. It may take time. It may take a good bit of time. But sometimes the song or words of praise will drive the darkness aside. Not all the way gone, but far enough for us to feel a little better.

To praise God is to focus on His attributes and actions. To direct our thoughts to His faithfulness. If we are overwhelmed by darkness right now, we can at least acknowledge His wonderful grace in saving us from our sins. We may not yet feel like singing, but that one acknowledgement may boost us enough to go on and think about other things He has done in our lives, and it may raise our spirits to think about those times he pulled us out of a pit.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (I Peter 1:3)

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
    may your salvation, God, protect me.

 I will praise God’s name in song

             and glorify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:29-30)

Praising God is another step in our recovery from depression.