Psalm 42:5, NIV
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”
David often talked to himself! No, not in the sense of being a little unbalanced, but when his spirit knew that his soul was struggling, he regularly spoke to his own soul. Here, he’s asking himself a question. What’s going on inside, what’s happening with me?
We can all go through times when we can’t easily make sense of how we’re feeling on the inside or the effect difficult relationships may be having on us. There are many things that can trip us up and distress us on the inside. It’s at times like this we need to keep on reminding ourselves of the reality of God’s faithfulness in the midst of the fallen world in which we all live. We have an enemy of souls who desires to do with us all what he tried to do with Simon Peter – sift him and throw him off course!
David had proven God over many years – he knew that God was dependable and trustworthy. He will never have forgotten what God did when Goliath the Philistine challenged the men of Israel. And there were many times in battle when God showed him exactly what to do to avoid defeat by the enemies of God’s people. Many times the Lord had shown him the way to go and what to do. Yes, God could be trusted – so, soul, even though you’re feeling down at the moment and circumstances seem to be getting on top of you, lift up your chin, look firmly ahead knowing that however long or dark the valley you’re in may be, God is still with you in it and you will yet praise Him.
There have been many times in my own walk with the Lord when I have been tempted to be depressed by the circumstances, and I have had to speak to my own soul – reminding myself of all that God has done in the past. He has been so utterly faithful! So, while your circumstances may currently be tough, remember that God hasn’t changed! Hope in God for you will yet praise Him, your help and your God!
Prayer: I’m so grateful, Lord, for the memories of times when you have been so very present in my life. Help me Lord not to give in to inner feelings when circumstances are tough. I choose now to trust You Lord afresh – my help and my God. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
