Psalm 42:11

Psalm 42

11   Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Discouraged? Depressed? Hopeless? Stressed? Are you cast down? Are you in turmoil? We are promised trials, temptations, and difficult times as believers. But at times we choose to dwell on them and to wallow in our misery. We complain, throw pity parties, and live in our struggles. What is the appropriate response?

HOPE IN GOD. Who do you turn to in those times? Friends? Parents? A Significant Other? Many of these people will just help you wallow and complain. If these people are Godly influences, they will all send you the same direction- straight to God. So go there first. Right to God and hope in Him, not in others and not in things. Not in your money. Not in your hobbies. Not in your job. Not in an elusive future where everything is 'perfect.'

CHOOSE TO PRAISE. In the last part of this verse, it says “I shall again praise Him.” Instead of choosing to dwell on your struggles, choose to praise God. Give thanks. Dwell on the blessings you’ve received. Change your mindset to one that honors God. Gain perspective.

Psalm 121:1&2- I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  

Job 1:21- And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”