Overcoming the Blues Through the Psalms: Part 2

SNE.BCNA
4 days ago
4 min read

Text: Psalm 23. Date: January 4, 2026

“For His Name’s Sake”

Each year after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, the blues come knocking at our door. Depression, isolation, grief, sadness, and dread of the day can settle in heavily.

Here’s what you need to know about the blues: I’m not immune—and neither are you. And if you’re experiencing them, it does not mean you aren’t saved. It does not mean you don’t love Jesus. It does not mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you’re human—and when you read the Bible, you’ll find many of God’s chosen vessels had deep moments of doubt and darkness.

In this series, we’re giving a Biblical prescription for overcoming the blues. Just like a doctor might say, “If you don’t take your meds, don’t expect to get any better,” the same is true spiritually: If you don’t take the Biblical prescription, don’t expect to get any better.

The Weekly Prescription

Our prescription is simple:

Read the Psalm we preach each day of the week
Read and sing the songs printed in the bulletin

If it didn’t feel like it “worked” the way you expected—listen closely: double up on your prescription. Read and sing at lunch and again before bed.

Psalm 23: The Shepherd Psalm

Arguably the most well-known Psalm in the Bible is Psalm 23. People all over the world—regardless of religious background—recognize at least part of it. Here, David (songwriter, poet, prophet, sinner, saint, shepherd, and king) opens his heart about God:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV)

In that one sentence, David teaches us four powerful relationship truths.

1) A Personal Relationship

“The Lord is my shepherd…”David is not talking theory—he’s talking relationship. In other words: “The Lord and I have something personal going on. I belong to Him, and He cares for me.”

Jesus said:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NKJV)

Let me remind you: the Good Shepherd is on your side.

He has not left you, even when the blues have you down.
He has not forsaken you, even when darkness covers you up.
He is not mad at you, even when you feel worn out.
He has not forgotten you, even when it feels like He has.

As the Good Shepherd:

He walks with you through the fire
He cries with you in your grief
He wipes away every tear
He leads you out of darkness into light
He holds you when you refuse to be comforted

Is Jesus your Good Shepherd? If you don’t know Him that way, come to Him today.

2) A Providing Relationship

“…I shall not want.”David says, “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing I truly need.”

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:2–3, NKJV)

Don’t miss this: the Shepherd is responsible for the sheep. Sheep can’t take care of themselves. They require guidance, protection, and provision.

So let me ask you: What part of your life have you been trying to manage without Jesus? How’s it going? Why not let Him take over?

The Shepherd’s responsibilities are clear:

Feed the sheep (green pastures)
Rest the sheep (restores my soul)
Water the sheep (still waters)
Lead the sheep (paths of righteousness)

And notice David’s repeated words:

He makes
He leads
He restores
He guides

For His Name’s Sake

That phrase matters: “For His name’s sake.”I love it because it points to God’s character and reputation—He guides and provides in a way that reflects who He is.

Consider just a few names of Jesus:

Emmanuel – God with us
Messiah – the Anointed One
Son of God – divine in nature
Lamb of God – the sacrificial offering
King of Kings – supreme authority
Light of the World – truth and guidance
Good Shepherd – tender, faithful care
Alpha and Omega – Beginning and End
Redeemer – sin-debt payer

You’ve heard the phrase, “For heaven’s sake.” David says something stronger: “For His name’s sake.”

“For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” (Psalm 25:11, NKJV)“For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” (Psalm 31:3, NKJV)

Because God’s name is holy, He has a reputation to uphold. So we can pray boldly:

For Your name’s sake…

take the blues away
renew my love for You
heal my family
save my sons and daughters
give me faith to believe
break the addiction I struggle with
put me on fire for You
lead me, guide me, hold me, protect me

3) A Protecting Relationship

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV)“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” (Psalm 23:5, NKJV)

David remembers the valleys: the lion, the bear, and Goliath in the Valley of Elah. He stood alone with a sling and a stone while everyone else shook in fear.

“You come to me with a sword… but I come to you in the name of the Lord…” (1 Samuel 17:45)

For His name’s sake!The blues can make you feel like you’re behind enemy lines—but fear not: God will prepare a table for you. He protects His sheep.

And then David says:

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:5, NKJV)

Here’s the question: Is your cup running over with the Holy Spirit? Why not today? Fall on your face and ask the Good Shepherd to fill your cup—for His name’s sake.

4) A Promised Relationship

David closes with confidence—not because life was easy, but because the Shepherd is faithful:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6, NKJV)

No matter how rough the journey has been, the Good Shepherd promises this: the ending will be home.

The journey starts in the pasture… but it ends in the house of the Lord.And what follows the sheep?

not judgment
not condemnation
not anger

Goodness and mercy.

Why?Because He is the Good Shepherd—for His name’s sake.