Battling Discouragement and Depression with . . .

Does Scripture memory sound like “just another thing to do” on an already overwhelming to-do list? What if you learned it was one of the greatest weapons with which to battle discouragement and depression in your life? Would that pique your interest a bit more? 

I find it interesting that when Nancy Leigh DeMoss encounters someone who is feeling discouraged or depressed—including me—she often asks them two questions: “Are you singing to the Lord?” and “Are you memorizing Scripture?”

In her words,

“These two exercises are not some magical formula to make all your problems go away, but they do have incredible power to change your perspective and attitude toward the issues you are facing.”

That said, I’m excited to invite you to join us this year as we gain new perspective with the Revive Our Hearts’ Monthly Memory Plan.

It’s really quite a simple plan: just choose one of two tracks. The easier track, the Voyager Track, means you’ll memorize Psalm 139:13–16 this month. The Master Track means you’ll learn Psalm 139:1–24.

I admit, I’ve gotten a head start, and Psalm 139 has been a lifeline the past month or so.

  • When I’m feeling fearful, I remind myself that His hand is leading me and His right hand (His strong, victorious hand) is holding me (v. 10).
  • When I’m feeling frustrated by my intense personality and ever-fluctuating emotions, I remind myself that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (v. 14).
  • And when I’m worrying about what the future holds, I remember that “in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (v. 16).

And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t take my word for it, though—open the Word and personalize these truths for yourself—they will offer hope and help to you over and over again!

Would you leave a comment below if you plan to join us this month? Your comment doesn’t need to be long—you can just say “I’m in!”

PS: As a recovering perfectionist, I feel the need to state the obvious. Any bit of memorizing—or even just reading—is better than none at all. If you memorize just one verse this month, you’re not a failure! Rather, you have one more verse in your weaponry as you battle stray emotions and discouraging circumstances. (Whew, glad we got that cleared up!)

About the Author

Paula Marsteller

Paula Marsteller

Paula Marsteller is a gifted communicator with a tenacious commitment to Scripture coupled with a compassionate, loving voice. God has captured Paula’s heart, and she is passionate about sharing life-changing, gospel truths through the lens of her everyday, ordinary life … read more …


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