Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Psalm 42-44
William Cowper, although not real popular, was one of the church’s greatest hymn writers, a person mightily used by God. However, this gifted composer was not without frequent bouts of deep discouragement, even depression. The first attacks of despair struck him when he was a young man. He was admitted to St. Albans Insane Asylum, where he made several attempts to commit suicide. One of the doctors gave Cowper a Bible, and he began to read it. In learning of the grace of God, he put his trust in Christ and was gloriously saved. Don’t we wish a few more doctors would take this approach today?
A year after his conversion, Cowper left the asylum and met the famous John Newton, who became his pastor and close friend. Newton and Cowper collaborated to publish a hymnal that included many cherished songs, including Newton’s “Amazing Grace” and “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” and Cowper’s “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” and “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” But in spite of his conversion and expanding ministry, Cowper still struggled with attacks of depression. These often left him discouraged to the point of desiring death.
As seen in the life and writings of William Cowper, even the strongest believers can suffer extreme discouragement and despair. However, we must embrace the fact that the trust which Cowper exercised in God steadied his soul and brought him peace. It is this faith in God during a time of discouragement that is expressed by the psalmist in Psalm 42. In the face of mounting trials and painful agony, the psalmist rallied his own devastated heart to look to God. In this state of dependence on God, the psalmist found the comfort he needed. Although his discouragement was great, the consolation he received in God was greater. This psalm shows all believers how to deal with their bouts of depression.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to never lose my focus on who you are and what you are like.
- Lord, please help me to find my joy and peace in my position in Christ and in my love for you and your love for me.
- Lord, please help me to pray for those more fervently who suffer from bouts of depression.
Political
- Representative Eric Leutheuser – District 058 – Hillsdale
- US Representative Andy Levin – District 09 – Bloomfield Twp.
- Representative Frank Liberati – District 013 – Allen Park