What To Do When I Feel Emo - Psalm 42

So yesterday's sermon really spoke to me. I don't consider myself a depressed individual. I'm usually pretty happy go lucky. It's no secret that the last couple of years have been a huge challenge and struggle for myself and my family. I think it's natural when burdened with changes in career, home, financial difficulties, etc to become depressed, anxious, or frustrated. Looking back on these last couple of years, I don't think there was a time in my life when I have struggled more with depression... Again, not a depressed person, but certainly more depressed than ever before.

So yesterday's sermon really spoke to me. It was entitled, "Spiritual Discouragement and Depression - Psalm 42" I won't preach, I'll just cut right to the essential thoughts.

When a Christian feels Emo:

1) Ask God "Why"?

a. When you love someone and things are not going like you feel they should, it's ok to ask that person why. It's the same for God. If He is truly in control and the lover of our souls... surely He should be ok with us coming to Him in our frustration asking why. We may not get the answer (or a answer) we like... but it's ok to ask why.

2) Affirm God's Sovereign Love

a. Yes this is a very Calvanistic approach to God's character. However, don't debate with the "God's Sovereignty versus Human Responsibility" stuff and just focus on the fact that God must have some foreknowledge and control of what goes on with His creation. If He didn't, then He'd be a terrible God (not God at all logically). When we don't understand... sometimes the most important step is to realize that God has our best intentions at heart... and we should trust.

3) Sing!

a. Have you ever noticed that we tend to sing, hum, whistle, etc. when we're happy? But we're quiet and brood when we're down? Remember God's love and sing... it will help lift your countenance.

4) Preach to Your Own Soul

a. Think about the truths you have discovered in your fellowship or own time of study. Remember God's divine attributes and audibly remind yourself of those truths. Admit it. You talk to yourself. So it really shouldn't be a stretch to preach to yourself.

5) Remember Past Experience

a. Remind yourself of when God blessed you or answered a prayer... or when you felt close to God's heart.

6) Thirst for God and Pursue Him

a. When we're down, sometimes it's easy to wrap ourselves up into a cocoon. Rather than lock ourselves away from God, pursue Him harder!! Chase after Him. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." Of course don't forget the rest of the verse that says purify your hearts... but the point of the verse is our determination to chase God, to thirst for Him, draw near to Him, and not stop until we have captured Him. Scripture promises that this kind of devotion pleases Him and He will pursue us back. The Creator of the universe... the Almighty One... the One Who has the capacity to heal our hearts will pursue you! If that doesn't give one hope... I'm not sure what will.. personally it gives me the chills.

~matt