SCRIPTURE
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:11)
OBSERVATION
In this Psalm, the writer details various hardships in his life: mourning, being oppressed by the enemy, bones suffering mortal agony, and his foes taunting him. Enough apples to upset the proverbial cart. He had plenty of reasons to be downcast. And it seems that he was.
In a personal moment he talks to himself. Why, soul, are you downcast? Why am I disturbed? Well, there are plenty of reasons. But in the Psalmists' style he surveys the situation and comes to a strong conclusion. He could have hope in God. He could praise God. He could hope because God is trustworthy and will keep his promises. God will do exactly what he said. We can praise because God is good and holy in spite of our circumstances.
APPLICATION
It's easy to be disturbed and downcast. Especially with all of the doom and gloom that comes with every economic report or newscast. But it's good to be reminded by God's word that I don't have to be. When I ask, "Why so downcast?" or "Why so disturbed?" the answer can be, "I don't have to be...at least for long." When I'm downcast my gaze is cast down. I'm looking at myself and my problems. Praising God lifts my gaze and I see the panoramic view of his power and might. I see him for who he truly is and I will yet praise him. I'm disturbed that I get disturbed. God's still in control
PRAYER
Lord, in you I hope. In you I trust. In you I praise.
