A Psalm for the Depressed - Psalm 38

I don't believe I've ever read Psalm 38 until just 10 minutes ago. It is for the depressed, "to bring to remembrance," as the inscription says. It is meant to be read through tears. Though I may have searched through this text one hundred times, it was just now that I finally could "sing" this psalm.

I am depressed; I am bowed down beyond measure; I go mourning all the day (v.6)

And as it goes on, the depressed heart is free in the light. The reality of what is happening in the soul is expressed. Words are given for the thoughts and sorrows on the mind, and the feelings of the soul.

For my loins are full of burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am faint and broken beyond measure; I roar by reason of the agitation of my heart.

Do you have a reason for your depression? I had the old question on my mind as I opened my Bible tonight, "Why so downcast, O my soul?" (Psalm 42:11) I know that verse, but this time it was a real question for me. Sometimes you cannot explain why you are down. Maybe a comment that someone close to you makes seems to get you sinking. Or plans that did not happen become a sorrow-starter. It can even be sudden oppression on your spirit, and you really are clueless about the cause. With this question on my heart, I stumbled upon this psalm 38. While reading it, a reason may stand out to you. There are several potential causes.
Was it that you sinned or continue to sin?

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine indignation; no peace in my bones, because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over my head: as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me (vv. 3-4).

Or, was it what others did to you?

And they that seek after my life lay snares [for me]; and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all the day long (v.12).

You may have even been persecuted for doing good.

But mine enemies are lively, they are strong; and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied: And they that render evil for good are adversaries unto me; because I pursue what is good (vv. 19-20).

No matter the cause, the tears are glasses needed to enable you to read the true text of this psalm. As you cry out:

Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my sighing is not hid from thee (v.9).

Hope rises up in the face of the Lord himself:

For in thee, LORD, do I hope: thou wilt answer, O Lord my God (v.15).

By the time you call upon the Lord in all of the last bit of depression, you are not in despair but in full assurance of faith that He hears this prayer:

Forsake me not, LORD; O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation (vv.21-22).

And you rise up and are free from it all. He is your God and your salvation. What just happened? This psalm of David is "to bring to remembrance." You've remembered Him, and suddenly all is peace and hope and will be alright.

For in thee, LORD, do I hope: thou wilt answer, O Lord my God.