In June 1999 Jonathan Aitken, the disgraced cabinet minister, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for perjury. During this period he found the cure for his deep depression lay in the wisdom of the book of Psalms in the Bible.

As an example, Psalm 42 was written by King David about 1000BC when he was depressed and he was wise enough to know the ultimate key to all happiness was to be found in a good relationship with God. In view of this he began to talk to himself about the condition of his own soul in the following way, “Why are you cast down O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall praise Him for the help of His countenance.” He longed for the Lord’s countenance (face) to light up with a smile upon him bringing the warmth and peace of His presence. [ Numbers 6:26 ]

As David talked to himself he refused to allow his soul to constantly pour out complaints. Instead he took himself in hand and said firmly to his restless soul, “Hope in God.” He knew that doubt and unbelief were killing his soul’s joy and that faith alone could bring back its peace and happiness.

Sadly many talk to themselves the wrong way like the selfish farmer in the Bible. This man had been blessed with a bumper harvest but instead of giving food to the poor he stored it up in bigger barns then said to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years, take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you.” And so he died with pleasure being his god instead of God being his pleasure. [ Luke 12:16-21 ] Depressed? Start talking to your soul and tell it to stop complaining and to start trusting in God.