New Living Translation (NLT)
Italics [me] added by author; orig: [them]

I've been looking forward to this Psalm for so many reasons. This very Psalm opened up the book of Psalms to me. 

4 years ago when I gave my life to Papa, shortly thereafter He blessed me with a raw hunger for the Word. I mean, there were moments I felt like I could literally eat the pages..

I devoured the Bible from A to Z but I skipped the Psalms. They just didn't appeal to me. I don't know why..

People who've seen or read my testimony know that Papa freed me from 20+ years of severe depression and longing for death.

But, especially in the beginning, the enemy came knocking once in a while, see if they could steal my peace and joy.

In the Summer of 2021 I woke up feeling 'heavy'. And I was instantly reminded of the 20 years I lived under this cloud of gloom and darkness.

It gave me a brief scare..had the depression returned? 

Like every day I started by reading my Bible.
I asked the Spirit what book He had in mind for me. He answered Psalms. And I was like, are you kidding me, on a day like this?

Reluctantly I cracked open the book of Psalms. I started reading Psalm 5: "Oh Lord, hear me as I pray, pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help".

As if somebody turned on the lights! This guy is feeling just like me! It turned out to be David, and from that day on he and I became best friends. He gets me. I love this guy. I love his raw honesty.
I began singing this Psalm, it's the song you're hearing now. 

I felt known, heard, seen, loved. 
This Psalm ends with "surround me (them) with your shield of Love". 
My blanket of death, replaced by His shield of Love. That still moves me every time..

Till this day I pray "and surround me with your shield of love". 

Are you (or do you know anybody) struggling with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts? Sing (or send them) this Psalm. Let Him hear your cry. He will embrace you with His love.

© Written by Xander Stok, Project of Love