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Down in the dumps

Why am I down in the dumps? King David has lots of good reasons to ask. So do I.

I get down. I am frustrated. I don’t see God. I cry the blues. I am depressed.

What is the way out? Is there one? Am I just stuck in this downward spiral of depression?

There is good news. There is a way out. I must fix my eyes on God. Looking at my own troubles leads to a downward spiral and depression.

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God — soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. ~King David | Psalm 42:11

When I look to God, I start getting thankful. I start seeing the good news and become hopeful. I start smiling again. I know that God is God and nothing is impossible with Him. I know that Jesus is King of God’s country. i become joyful. I shout out the good news of God and His love.

King David recalls joyful times past, when he led public processions to the temple to celebrate religious festivals. From the depths of despair and feeling that God has forgotten him, he musters hope that God will deliver him from the godless mockers who surround him so far removed from the central sanctuary in southerly Judah.

David pictures God’s light and truth as guiding him back to the temple, where he will offer praise with sacrifice and music. The perpetually burning oil lamps in the temple signified God’s presence, and the bright pillar of fire guided the Hebrews on their exodus from Egypt.