It is amazing to me how the words of Psalm 42 speak, with such relevance, to us today.  The number of new cases of depression is skyrocketing.  Loss of jobs, loss of income, and loss of social interaction are just some of the reasons why many are moving from discouragement, to depression, to despair.  The American Pediatrics Association has raised concern and says that the increased level of family stress coupled with the interruption of regular routine (scouts, little league base ball, family vacations, etc.) is taking a toll on the children of our country.   A friend of mine, who is a therapist with one of the larger Christian Counseling centers in Tulsa, told me in the past thirty days they have had over 100 new client intakes, mostly dealing with depression, substance abuse, family stress and violence.  I believe that the words of the Psalmist (identified as the Sons of Korah) in Psalm 42 are words we need to hear...

My daughter, Beth, and grandson, Sam, are the "chalk artists" in our family and this morning they went to work drawing flags, and other patriotic symbols and slogans on our driveway.  It pleases me that they have an excitement and an appreciation for the 4th of July, especially in light of the protests and strife that has recently been seen throughout our land.  As I think about our country; the beauty of what it stands for and the struggles that we still face, I can't help but believe that the writer of the song, "America the Beautiful" had it right...