Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call

Melancholy

This is an old term that was once used by psychologists to describe severe depression. Later, the term Manic/Depression, and more recently Bipolar disorder has been used to label symptoms of unusual mood changes that can vary in length and severity. Especially, they can manifest as feelings of hopelessness and severe paranoia.

I have first hand knowledge of these terms used by the psychological community. My mother had her first “nervous breakdown” when she was about 24 and when I was just starting kindergarten. She was treated using all the latest therapies of the time (the early 70s), including shock therapy and psycho-neurotic medications. These treatments were very painful. Sometimes they seemed to help for a while, but then months or years later another episode would occur. I’m telling you this in order to let you know I can sympathize with anyone dealing with sever emotional depression. By the way, my mother is still alive and doing well today. She is turning 78 this week. I call her several times each week. God has been faithful and merciful to protect her and snatch her from the fire many, many times.

Psalm 42:

Psalm 42:11 ESV

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

The psalmist asks this question. Why are my emotional feelings so disconnected from my position in Christ?

Jude instructs us:

Jude 22 ESV

And have mercy on those who doubt;

Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words διακρίνω

διακρίνω

Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words διακρίνω

διακρίνω diakrinō 19× to separate, sever;

The word is constructed from two other words. dia (through) and krino (to judge or think). So, literally, it would be to think through something or to judge. But, it can also mean in this context to hesitate, waver, or doubt from being overwhelmed by a flood of mental paranoia.

Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words διακρίνω

diakrinō 19× to separate, sever

What can I do when I find my soul cast down with doubt?

The song I would like to sing for you addresses three aspects of doubt:

Doubt from regrets of the past.

Doubt from present stormy circumstances.

Doubt from fears of future possibilities.

In all of these, our response can be the same. Not based on our superficial feelings or temporary emotions. Based, rather, on the truth of Gods word. On the assurance that God is faithful, merciful, His lovingkindness is forever. He is the God of our salvation. He inhabits our praise.