Text: Psalm 143:1-12
Introduction: Definition of  “depression”
    A. We live in a world that is filled with people like the man in this Psalm. People who live their lives in depression, despair,
         despondency and defeat.  Even a man who was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” (Acts 13:22). David
         suffered from depression and defeat
    B. This Psalm came from a time of depression.
        1. As we look at this Psalm perhaps we can find help when we too endure what seems to be overwhelming depression.
I. THE PAIN OF THE DARK VALLEY: verses 3-4 v. 3 “For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my
life down to the ground: he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.”
    A. The pain of darkness; we have an enemy that seeks to destroy our Christian witness “he hath smitten my life down to
         the ground.”  (1 Pet. 5:8).
         1. His very life seemed to be crushed out as one that is trodden down to the ground.
         2. Our enemy wants us to dwell in darkness “he hath made me to dwell in darkness.” (used of  ignorance of divine
             things, and is  associated with wickedness, and misery)
         3. He has made my life like that of one who dwells in darkness; he has made it a life of sorrow, so that I have no
             comfort-no light, no friends (1 John 1:5-7).
    B. The Pain of Depression (vs 4): “Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.” No
         Heart
         1. His spirit was broken and crushed. He was in a state of despair as to any human help.
         2. I have no comfort; no cheerfulness; no hope.
             a. My soul is like the waste desert where there is no water; where nothing grows; where there are only rocks and
                 sands.
             b. Many walk in this dark valley today!
    C. The Pain of Despair (vs 7). No Hope “Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I
         be like unto them that go down into the pit.”
         1. David feels he has reached the end of his rope and that if God doesn’t lift the veil of his darkness then he is no better
             off than those who perish in hell.
         2. Many are walking in this dark valley today!
    D. If you are one of the many in this valley, let me tell you, there is hope for you today.
         1. You may feel that life has become unbearable.
         2. With all the despair, there is reason to rejoice in this Psalm.
II. THE PRIZE IN THE DARK VALLEY:
    A. In the dark valley we find the prize of repentance (vs 2): - Our Sins
         1. David’s failures and his repentance - Psalm 32, 51
             a. Our dark valleys are not always caused by sin!
             b. However, when we begin to seek God, our sin will become an issue that must be dealt with (Psa 66:18;
                 1 John 1:9).
             c. Anything that brings us into a close relationship with God is a PRIZE!
    B. In the dark valley we find the prize of remembrance (vs 5): “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I
         muse on the work of thy hands.”
         1. David had much to remember: Stories of what God had done for Israel, the lion, bear, the giant etc.
         2. When walking through the dark valley, remember what God has done for you.
             a. Review your life and read his word. It will refresh your heart. When we are in the valley, we need a fresh encounter
                 with the Lord.
    C. In the dark valleys we find the prize of relying on God. (vs 6). “I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth
         after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.”
         1. When we become as thirsty as dry, parched, cracked ground that longs for the refreshing rains, then we will seek God
         2. David knew he couldn’t produce what he needed therefore he looked to God.
         3. The dark valleys will cause you to come to the end of yourself and when that happens, you can begin to rely on God -
             (Proverbs 3:5-8; Romans 8:28); 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us
             a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
     D. As terrible as the dark valleys of life are, they are also valuable.
         1. Because it is in the valley that we learn eternal truths about God that energize and strengthen our faith.
         2. Yes there is PAIN. Yes there are PRIZES. But thank God, there is a PATH out of the Dark Valley.
III. THE PATH OUT OF THE DARK VALLEY:
     A. The Path of Prayer is a way out of the dark valley (vs 1, 6, 8a, 9a, 11-12)
         1. There were times when David wanted to stop praying but he didn’t - We are commanded to pray (I Thess 5:17).
         2. God has promised to answer our prayers (John 16:23).
         3. Our duty is to pray - Pray when God says “yes” pray, when He says “no” pray, when he says “wait” pray.
         4. Prayer is more than a religious activity, it is a way out of the dark valley -
     B. The Path of Praise is a way out of the dark valley (vs 10b)  Worshipping, (Psalms 42:5).  “Why art thou cast down, O
         my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”
         1. In the midst of this sad Psalm, David reminds us that God is Good.
         2. Every person who walks a dark valley this morning should adopt an attitude of praise.
             a. Job: (Job 1:20-22)  “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and
                worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD
                gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged
                God foolishly.”
         3. If we cannot praise the Lord in the VALLEY, we have no right to praise him on the MOUNTAIN top.
             a. What can I praise Him for: (Luke 10:20).
             b. Why should I praise Him: (Revelation 4:11) “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for
                 thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
                 1) He is worthy.
                 2) It will help you (Neh 8:10; Prov 17:22).
    C. The Path of Practice is a way out of the dark valley (vs 8b, 9b, 10a):
         1. David’s desire was to do the will of God v. 10. “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God:”
         2. This ought to be the goal of every child of God.
         3. When we fail in walking with the Lord, we bring dishonor to Him and more discouragement to our own hearts
         4. A consistent walk is a path out of the dark valley.
         5. You can beat the circumstance, don’t let it beat you!