September 4, 2019

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” – Psalm 40:2

Depression is an epidemic in America today. And this epidemic is a killer: Suicide rates in our country are the highest they have been in 70 years. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34. There is an estimated 3,800 suicide attempts every day in America with around 130 of those ending in death. Why is this such a huge problem? Because depression leads to isolation, isolation leads to hopelessness, and hopelessness will kill us if we are not rescued from it. I say “rescued” because depression is something that is difficult, if not impossible, to deliver ourselves from. When we are in the mire of depression, struggling alone will often dig us deeper and deeper into that mud. We need help.

As in every area of life, our help comes from the Lord. He has not only the power, but the deep desire to reach down, lift us out of the slimy pit, rescue us, and set us on the solid rock. In fact, he is prepared to do all the work; all we need to do is simply reach out and take his hand. If you are blessed today to be in a place of peace and joy, please remain intentionally vigilant to watch over friends and family around you. You may be the hand that God uses to pull them to safety. And if you are wrestling today with depression, isolation, and hopelessness I encourage you to not only read, but pray through Psalm 40; pray through it as many times as you need to. Then reach out and take the hand of God. Speak to those you love. Allow yourself to be rescued.

Heavenly Father, please reach out and rescue those who are hurting, broken, and alone today. Pull them out of the muddy mess of depression and set them on the solid rock. We praise You and thank You for the eternally firm foundation that is Jesus Christ!

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon