“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
(Psalm 42:5)
“Come on self, cheer up! Yes, come on self!” Who doesn’t need this? A pep talk when you’re at the bottom. There’s a reason this passage is marked up in my Bible. It’s the prayer of a downcast soul in Psalm 42. Turn to it and read the whole passage.
Y’all, do you relate? This is David, but it’s so often me. I can get so down in the dumps, you too? It seems all the sudden I’m at the bottom, hopeless and almost paralyzed. You know what I mean? I love how David is talking to himself and asking “Why? Why are you downcast oh my soul?” He’s looking for a reason. You know, sometimes I just can’t figure out why. I’m just down. Do you ever talk to yourself though? I do. It helps me process.
Pay attention with me. David gives himself a pep talk and repeats over and over, “Put your hope in God, for yet I will praise Him.” I am not sure if he identifies the why but He identifies the way out! Put your hope “here,” praise the Lord still.
I appreciate how we are accepted as we are. The psalms are filled with honest cries. It’s ok to be down and I’m gonna take David’s lead and give myself a pep talk. Maybe you need one too?
Lord, help us talk it through when we are down. You never promised all sunshine, but You did promise that we always have hope in spite of our feelings and circumstances. You never abandon us.
Amen & Alleluia.