Help for Depression - Bible Psalm: Psalm 103

If we learn to be merciful to ourselves, to work hard at doing what we can and should, and at the same time, forgive ourselves for our own shortcomings, this can help us to be balanced and not to give in to despair.

The way we view God is also of importance. Do we view God as harsh and vindictive, or a loving and merciful Father. If we view God as loving, then it is easier to love ourselves, as Jesus said, the second greatest commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself". This implies that we need to love ourselves too.

Photo: Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If we consider the merciful way in which God views humans, as is beautifully elucidated in Psalms 103, this can help us to draw close to God. Drawing close to God by reading the Psalms, the Bible and other positive writings, can be of help to overcome depression. That only with other positive and practical steps can give us the upper hand in our own inner battles.

Try to read the entire collection of 150 Psalms and take time to ponder on the message. Reading the Sermon on the Mount and four Gospel accounts is also strengthening. Applying the wisdom provided by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, can help us in our daily lives and mental health. Psalms 103 is written below which provides wonderful insight into the emotions of God towards his earthly children.

Psalms 103 - (American Standard Version)
A Psalm of David

1 Bless Jehovah, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle.

6 Jehovah executeth righteous acts, And judgments for all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses, His doings unto the children of Israel.

8 Jehovah is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness.

9 He will not always chide; Neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins, Nor rewarded us after our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are as grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; And the place thereof shall know it no more.

17 But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children's children;

18 To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them.

19 Jehovah hath established his throne in the heavens; And his kingdom ruleth over all.

20 Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21 Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22 Bless Jehovah, all ye his works, In all places of his dominion: Bless Jehovah, O my soul.

The Psalms were originally songs and prayers. T Prayer has therapeutic value, can serve as a catharsis, and provides comfort and strength. The Psalms or the main idea of them, as well as select verses, can be used in prayer.

Pages Related to Bible Psalms and Help for Depression

Prayer and Health, Mental Health - University of Massachusetts Researchers say prayer is on the rise for health and mental health in the U.S.

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Power of the Psalms - Psalms 139

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Sermon on the Mount - Greatest Psychology Treatise Ever Written

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