Hope Thou in God
Today's Verse:
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. ~Psalm 42:11
Psalm 42 was written by David during a time of great discouragement. It could have either been written when he was fleeing from the hands of Saul, or when he was fleeing from Absalom’s takeover of the kingdom. Everyone will face discouragement. Discouragement will either triumph over you, or you will triumph over discouragement. Our devotion this morning teaches us how we can have courage over discouragement.
We see the symptoms of discouragement.
Consider some of the words that David used to describe his discouragement. He speaks about being "cast down." This is a shepherding term and refers to sheep that fall on their backs. When a sheep is on its back, it is in a very dangerous and vulnerable position. It lacks the balance and ability to get back on its feet. When discouragement sets in, we feel like a sheep that is cast down. We feel like we have flipped upside down and cannot get ourselves upright on our feet. David also could hear his critics speaking to him in disparaging terms. Their words felt like a sword in his bones. He speaks of pouring out his soul. This is a way of saying that we have so much pressure that has built up inside of us and we need to get it out before we explode. Do you know the symptoms of discouragement? Are you going through a season of discouragement at this time?
We see the sickness in discouragement.
Discouragement throws us into a tailspin that can be damaging spiritually, physically, and emotionally. We are in a state of desperation. He speaks of a deer that is desperate for water and is looking for a water brook. We are in a state of sorrow. He speaks of having tears and crying because of the feeling of loneliness and despair. He speaks of being in deep waters that have covered him up. He speaks about being disquieted in his soul. He is going through internal turmoil. His enemies kept asking the question, “Where is thy God?” They were mocking him and saying God had forsaken him. Sadly, David was believing these words. Discouragement reveals the depths of spiritual sickness that we have fallen into. What is your discouragement doing to you? Has it robbed you of your joy? Has it distracted you from service? Has it caused you to doubt God in your life?
We see the solution for discouragement.
Thankfully, David shows us the solution for discouragement. First, regardless of where discouragement has taken you, get your mind upon the Lord, v. 6. Focus on the Lord and not on your location when discouraged. Second, remember God’s lovingkindness and love are with you at all times of the day, v. 8. Third, pray to the Lord even when you do not feel like it. Fourth, turn your problem into an opportunity to praise the Lord. David said, “I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance.” David found his hope in the Lord. David realized that his health was in the Lord. Last, turn your doubts into a matter of strong belief and faith. Earlier, David was questioned as to where his God was. The last thing David says in this psalm is “my God.” His faith was renewed. His eyes were looking to the hills from whence cometh his help. David had courage while he was discouraged.
What a word of help for us! Let us have courage when we are discouraged. Have courage God is there. Have courage God will strengthen you. Have courage that God will get you out of your discouragement.
Have a courageous God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 13-15