“Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” (Psalm 144:15, NKJV)

I grew up as a happy child. Even though my parents divorced when I was seven years old, I always kept a sense of humor and looked for positive in people and situations. But when I hit my late twenties, something happened. I cannot point to any trigger; I just suddenly began to be depressed. I felt that I did not measure up, and I did not know how to change that. I became overwhelmed with feelings of despondency, and I could not break out of it. My family noticed the change and wanted to know the reason, but I had no answer. All I knew was that I had no control over it.

At that time, Psalms became my lifeline. As David also experienced times of despondency, fear or rejection, he found hope in God. His words became my prayers, helping me to pull myself out of the pit of despair.

Thankfully, this period only lasted a couple of years. But it taught me the value of meditating on the Word of God. There is comfort and encouragement in the Scriptures. But joy is also a choice.

In Psalm 144, David lists several things over which he could rejoice. God taught him to be a warrior. He was a high tower and deliverer. He subdued people under him. So, David prayed that God would rescue him from his enemies and from those who spoke lying words. Then their sons would grow up as plants and their daughters as pillars. Their barns would be full, and their sheep would produce thousands. There would be no cries of distress in their streets.

God’s faithfulness to us in the past demands that we trust Him today. We choose to rejoice—not because our circumstances are favorable—but because our God is the LORD, and He will never fail us. If you feel like you are slipping down a hole, then meditate on David’s words and make them your prayer. Be thankful, and rejoice in the Lord, and He will lift you up!