Another thoughtful letter from Pastor Lloyd Pulley of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge.
Dear Bridging the Gap Listener,
Psalm 6 is titled as “A Prayer of Faith in a Time of Distress” written by Israel’s beloved psalmist and king, David. “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord—how long?” he writes in verses 2-3. What an encouragement to feeble ones such as you and I in our times of discouragement and despair!
We read throughout the psalms many times of great depression for the “man after God’s own heart”—and we also see his hope restored as his gaze is shifted from outward circumstances and inner turmoil unto the Lord! Corrie Ten Boom once said “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” It is in that turning of our eyes upon Jesus that our hope is restored!
We see that confidence shift in verses 8-9 as David declares: “Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer.” He knows his God is near and nothing can come against him without the mighty hand of God allowing it—for his good!
There will be times in this life that depression will come and “out of the depths” we will cry. Let us train our hearts and minds to continually look to Jesus and to put our hope in Him! And that is why for the month of September, Encouragement for the Depressed by 19th-century pastor Charles Spurgeon is our gift to you for a gift of $15 or more. Having bouts of depression throughout his own life, Spurgeon offers comfort and encouragement as he reminds believers of the faithfulness of God. In addition to this Crossway Short Classic, we would like to send you a Bridging the Gap reusable tote bag as well as our thank you for your faithful support to the ministry. Your financial and prayerful support is reaching tens of thousands of listeners with the encouraging Word of God through Bridging the Gap!
Inspired by Isaiah 45:22, the old English hymn “The Heavenly Vision,” or better known for its choral line, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,” is a great reminder to all of us as we walk through trying times in this life. Let its opening stanza and chorus encourage you today:
O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
Blessings in Him,
Pastor Lloyd