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 43:5
Discouragement is something is seen nearly everywhere. People are discouraged about their job, the family, their spouse, their dreams, and many other things. Life is not going the way that they had planned it to go and they do not understand why.
Many are also disturb at the way things are going. They see the news about killings, wars, financial crises, diseases, disasters and much more negative news and fear what is going to happen in life. They do not see any hope for anything good.
In order to cope with the discouragement and anxiety that people are feeling, many will turn to drugs, both legal and illegal. They drown themselves in things or activities to hide their pain and fears.
The author of this psalm asks the question of why his soul was downcast or discouraged and disturbed. He knew that he should be putting all of his hope and trust in God, while giving Him praise.
The discouragement and anxiety does not rest just with unbelievers, but many believers are feeling the same way also. They see what is going on and fear it. They have chosen to see the things of this world only and not see what God is doing.
Despite the garbage, sickness, sin and death in this world, every believer has a hope that is still alive. They have a reason to give God praise. God is on their side and has forgiven them and given them life. While there are troubles in this life, there is a hope of a future that is perfect with no pain, sorrow or suffering for all eternity.
Each one also has the joy of knowing God is right there with them to strengthen and guide them through this dark world. These are reasons to give God praise.
Choose to worship and praise God in spite of the negative things you see. Complaining and being depressed and discouraged will not change a thing, but praising God will give you strength. It can shed light into a dark area of life.
Put all of your hope in God and not in the people and things of this world. This world will pass away, but God will always be there.
Now go out rejoicing and praising God today!
I pray today that you will know the salvation Jesus offers; that you will know the hope Jesus provides; that God will remove all fear and anxiety in your life; that God will remove discouragement; ad that you will praise God in every situation.
Amen!
Yes. Thank you.