I tossed and turned.

It was one of those nights where sleep was elusive as my mind raced from thought to thought.

Burdens from the day.

Cares about the future.

Regrets from the past.

It seemed as though anything and everything was fair game.

Concerns for my kids, heaviness for dear friends walking through hard seasons, and difficult conversations on the horizon all swirled through my head.

I finally got up.

It’s nights like these that I am forever grateful for the Psalms.

David authored half of the 150-chapter book.

The boy shepherd who bested Goliath, became Israel’s second king, and trounced countless enemies on grand battlefields pours out his heart in this poetic book.

His vulnerable prayers – filled with anxiety, depression, and praise – are on full display for us to read.

“…when anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19 NIV)

“…even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:4 NIV)

“…why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 NIV)

I take such comfort in David’s words!

Here was a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22) who openly wrestled with dark thoughts, worries, and fears.

He wasn’t immune to the challenges of living in a flesh and blood body encumbered with frailty, weakness, and cares.

And God inspired David to write these struggles down so that we might be encouraged.

Encouraged to see that we’re not alone.

Encouraged to realize that just because we grapple with anxiety or are touched with depression, it doesn’t mean we’re less of a Christ-follower or that our faith is flawed.

Actually, the opposite tends to be true.

It’s in our anxieties that we learn how near God is.

It’s in those barren valleys that we grow to be fully dependent upon Him.

And it’s in the desolate darkness that we’re reminded He is the Light.

He sees.

He is near.

He can and will lead us to still waters and green pastures again so that our hearts are filled with hope and praise.

So the next time you find yourself toe-to-toe with anxiety, depression, or despair, know that you’re in good company!

King David himself paved the way for us to follow.

May we be able to say like he did, “The Lord is my light and my salvation…I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27: 1 & 13 CSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!