“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
The psalms recorded for us in the Bible cover a wide spectrum of life’s emotions. Emotions deeply affect us. We might deny them, but they find expression somehow, often negatively affecting our health and relationships. The writer of Psalm 42 captures how it feels when we are downcast. He admits it, confronts it, and then gives it all to the Lord.
First, he acknowledges his thirst for God, comparing it to the deer thirsting for water. He doesn’t bury or ignore his despair. Rather, he boldly declares that he will put his hope in God, turning a trusting heart to Him as he faces his sadness. He allows for the full expression of emotion, but he also does not stay in the valley of sorrow. Acceptance and surrender lead him to the place of peace and hope.
The opening of the book The Road Less Traveled (1998) states, “Life is difficult.” We surely all would agree. Who isn’t familiar with loss, grief, disappointment, and trials? If you know the Savior, Jesus Christ, you also know He will see you through and care for your saddened heart.
First, he acknowledges his thirst for God, comparing it to the deer thirsting for water. He doesn’t bury or ignore his despair. Rather, he boldly declares that he will put his hope in God, turning a trusting heart to Him as he faces his sadness. He allows for the full expression of emotion, but he also does not stay in the valley of sorrow. Acceptance and surrender lead him to the place of peace and hope.
The opening of the book The Road Less Traveled (1998) states, “Life is difficult.” We surely all would agree. Who isn’t familiar with loss, grief, disappointment, and trials? If you know the Savior, Jesus Christ, you also know He will see you through and care for your saddened heart.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 42:1-11
Insight
“Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel,/ … Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.” (Thomas Moore, 1779-1852)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 7-8
- Proverbs 14
- 1 Peter 1
