I have been blessed to have many teachers in my life. One bible teacher that has been instrumental in molding my relationship with Christ is Linda Kline from Psalm One Ministries. Please check out her website to see the fantastic services that she offers to Christians around the world.
At a pastor’s wives gathering, she taught me how to pour out my heart to Christ through the Psalms. She emphasized the importance of being real with your soul, and real with Christ. When you read the Psalms, it’s clear that David didn’t hold anything back. So why should we? Another key element in every Psalm is holding God to His promises or to His character. No matter what problem you may be facing, there is a attribute of God that can help you overcome. And David boldly shares many of them in the Psalms.
So as I face a new day, I find my soul downcast. And Psalm 27 seems to hit home. Allow me to share my journaling through the Psalms today. Maybe you’ll feel moved to right out your response to each verse on paper or here in the comment section. If not, in the quietness of your heart.
The Lord is my light and my salvation-
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
Father, when I feel my soul slip into the darkness of depression, remind me that you are here. Please show me your steadfast presence. Help me not to be afraid of the darkness, since I have you as my light.
The one thing I ask of the Lord-
the thing I seek most-
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
Lord, if I could live in “mountain top” moments, I would. Help me to keep seeking those moments, even though I may be dwelling in the valley. Remind me that you are to be my top priority in all I do or say. Keep me away from distractions like TV, email and general busy-ness. You delight in your children seeking you… your face, oh Lord, will I seek.
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Lord, give me ears to listen and wisdom to understand. Just like I ask my children to follow my directions on the first request, help me to turn my face toward heaven and actively hear from you.
Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path
Father, direct my days. Each of my days are yours. All I have is a gift from you. Let me not take possession and claim on this earth. Instead, allow me to be free from this world so that you can lay out my path moment by moment.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Lord, when the storms surge, calm my heart. When the darkness is all I see around me, shine your light bright within me, so that I may not give up. Even though I may spend days in the dark, give me endurance through faith and trust in you alone.
excerpts from Psalm 27 (NLT)
Shane, this is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your personal reflection through the Psalm. Praying God’s Word is powerful. How my heart echoes so much of what you have written here. I’m currently working on Beth Moore’s “Stepping Up” study, taking a deeper look at the Psalms of Ascent. The homework each week requires this exact same exercise – to write our response and make each Psalm our own. Thank you for this example here and for your honest heart.
Blessings,
Joy
Hi, I found you through WFMW. :) Thank you for this post. This was the Psalm I read yesterday morning when I was doing battle with some depression (somewhat hormonally induced). What a comfort. Thank you for your insights. I am going to use this idea in my personal devotional time.
One thing I love to do is go through an entire Psalm one verse at a time, one day at a time. I just meditate on one verse in the morning, write it on a piece of paper to carry in my pocket and think about it all day long. I have done this exercise with several Psalms and LOVE how it makes them “mine.”
Love your approach to the Psalms. I often do this with most Scriptures, but I especially like the way the Psalms apply. Thanks for your honesty and transparency with your struggles. I’m struggling a bit myself today.
peace~elaine
Shane, that’s beautiful … and a wonderful way to deliberately personalize Scripture. I think the best prayers are those that just reflect His Word!
I loved your words today! Your devotion was perfect for what I needed in my life now. I knnow I have had many Red Sea moments but sometimes we forget about them with the trials of life. Thank you for the sweet reminder that He brings them all the time if we stop and look up.
My heart is so full of gratitude to you for this amazing post. I have battled depression on and off since college, and this past year has been extremely difficult. I’m fortunate to have a caring pastor and wonderful Christian therapist (And meds, of course. Musn’t forget those little wonders!) who have helped me navigate the darkness. I’m not completely through it, but I have many more bright days now. Thank you so much for sharing this.