Talking to oneself is something many people ridicule in others and vow they'll never do themselves. They assume it's a sign of losing touch with reality. In light of what we read today in Psalm 42, though, let's think about it.

Before the psalmist talked to God about his depressed soul, he talked to his depressed soul about God. He said, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance" (v.5). David was talking to himself, but he certainly was not losing his mind. His words sound like someone in touch with reality!

Once I urged a new Christian to testify to others about the change that Jesus had made in his life. I knew that his own faith would be encouraged as he talked to others. He agreed with my suggestion, but he surprised me by saying, "I even testify to myself!"

When you're depressed, remember to take advantage of the spiritual antidepressants in today's psalm. Question your soul, testify about God's goodness, admonish yourself to hope in the Lord. Minister to yourself, as David did, by personally applying the very encouragement you've given to others (1 Sam. 30:6).  — Joanie Yoder