Depression and self centered focus has become an ever-increasing problem with many folks who don’t know the Lord. It has even spilled over into the ranks of the people who do profess Christ as Savior. This Psalm shows some interesting details that happen when we go through different problems and it also shows us some very interesting cures in helping us to overcome the depressions and self-centeredness that tends to occupy our lives, especially those without God.

The psalmist was in a gloomy state and was irritated and depressed. Interestingly, he does something that we, too, can use as we also go through these times. He starts to make an evaluation of what is the matter. Maybe there is sin in his life and God has to use some discipline to correct it. Maybe God is just allowing a refining trial or problem to help him to focus on God and His Word, rather than on self and self’s very limited resources. A very useful acronym for daily godly focus is this: ECoPE. Evaluate-Confess-Plan-Execute. E-valuate your life daily before God and His Word. Be willing to C-onfess sin as needed and daily meditate on and memorize His Word in personal devotions. Make a P-lan each day for what God would have you spiritually focus on for that specific day. Obediently E-xecute that plan. Follow through with what God has shown you through His Word to live your life in obedience to Him. This has helped a lot of God fearing Christians to live their lives in a way that is different from the world. They begin to experience the awesome power of God, as His Word is put into practical and daily use. They begin to focus on their Creator and their Savior rather than on the problems and difficulties. They begin to experience the sanctified, fulfilled life of a believer, as God fully intends our lives to be. When we compare the wonderful riches of God’s Word to the very limited areas of our own sinful attitudes and self, we begin to realize that what God says is true and that realization begins to bring us up out of the miry clay. May we fully trust and focus our hearts on Him!

O Heavenly Father, as we go through great difficulties and problems, forgive us for not trusting You fully. Help us to turn our eyes and our hearts back to Your Glory and may You be exalted above all. Amen.

From Liberty Ministries.