Daily Direction Reading PlanSample

Harry Harlow invented the phrase “Pit of Despair.” It was the name of a device he created to isolate monkeys from their mothers. He wanted to see what would happen to monkeys if he deprived them of their mother’s love. He placed them in this pit. Sadly, most of them died from severe depression. One of the reasons we fall into depression is that we lose hope. One way to help overcome despair is to identify with a person or cause that offers hope. The writer of Psalm 46 evidently knew this. By faith, he linked himself and his nation to the greatest person in the universe. Here is how he put it. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God.” The writer regarded God as an unshakable rock on which to stand, a hiding place that no enemy could penetrate, and a sure help in times of trouble. To him, even if the world appears to be coming apart, he would not fear because he is confident that God is still in control. Faith enables us to realize that, yes, I may be weak, but He is strong, and He is holding my hand and will not let me go. My situation may look bleak, but I can count on my heavenly Father to bring me safely through.