A New Song of Hope

Depression: what is it? If you google the definition, depression is, “feelings of severe despondency and dejection; low spirits caused by a loss of hope or courage.” And while this isn’t inaccurate, depression can be defined as low spirits or lack of hope, I really don’t think this definition explains the depths that depression can be. Depression can be crippling. It’s a state of mind and being that tells you over and over again it’s not worth it, whatever “it” is. Sometimes it’s living in a pitch-black cave with no hope of ever getting out. Sometimes it’s putting on a face or façade to make it through the day, but then being so exhausted you can’t even function for the next 24 hours. There is a range of depression from sad feelings and low spirits to a force that cripples and strangles people and leaves them in a near-death state of being.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been in this place, I want you to know it’s okay. Whatever place you’re in, whether it’s the depths of depression or even a lack of hope for a specific situation, it’s okay. It’s okay that you’re here right now. It’s okay that you can’t see the light and only see the darkness. But I would also like to say there’s more for you. There’s more than just a dim light at the end of the tunnel. You are seen and you are known by the King of kings Himself. I pray that by the end of this post you would begin hoping even the tiniest bit that there’s more for you.

But what is hope? Hope definitively is, “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; grounds for believing that something good may happen; a feeling of trust.” Hope is believing in things that are not yet seen and trusting that good things are coming. Hope happens in a place of waiting and is built through building a relationship with God. Romans 5:5 says hope is not a disappointing fantasy but allows us to experience the endless love of God. Hope strengthens and empowers us to believe in and trust the goodness of God. Hope changes everything; it’s a way of the Kingdom. It doesn’t make any sense outside of this context. Hope is more than just optimism for an outcome—it’s having faith for something because that’s just who God is. God’s character is not disappointing but actually allows for things to change. Hope has nothing to do with who we are and everything to do with who God is. It’s a reality that we always have access to even when we can’t see it.

“I waited and waited and waited some more, patiently, knowing God would come through for me. Then, at last, he bent down and listened to my cry. He stooped down to lift me out of danger from the desolate pit I was in, out of the muddy mess I had fallen into. Now he’s lifted me up into a firm, secure place and steadied me while I walk along his ascending path. A new song for a new day rises up in me every time I think about how he breaks through for me! Ecstatic praise pours out of my mouth until everyone hears how God has set me free. Many will see his miracles; they’ll stand in awe of God and fall in love with him!” - Psalms 40:1-3 TPT

If you’re in a place of depression or hopelessness, I challenge you to believe God is who He says He is. He promises to lift you out of the desolate pit and reminds you of the secure place you have been given. He’s not a Father who leaves His children in the pits—He steadies us and listens to us and gives us new songs to sing when we’ve forgotten the old ones. In the midst of the waiting, I dare you to hope that God will come through, especially when it doesn’t make sense. Remember your history with Him. Recall all the times He answered you when you called upon Him, and remember the times when He saved you from what you thought was the lowest of lows. He doesn’t ask you to climb out but actually stoops down to get you. He can and will meet you here in this place.

Father, I pray you would reveal yourself to your children in the midst of the pit. I pray you would stoop down and raise your children out of the pits we’re in. I ask that you would reveal this unshakeable hope that already lives inside of us. Give us the courage and boldness to hide in your faithfulness and let you strengthen and comfort us Lord. I pray you would give us the courage and boldness to wait patiently upon you. Refresh your children with a new hope and a new courage. Reveal the reality of this hope and this endless love until it becomes our lived experience Father. Let a new song rise within us as we hope for you Abba. Amen.

Author | Elizabeth Sprinkle