TELL YOURSELF THE TRUTH
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. PSALM 42:5
Christian biographies of those God used in mighty ways reveal a common theme. These men and women were often subject to intense lows within their lives, facing deep sorrow and discouragement. David experienced it. At one point, he was “greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him...” as his men were very grieved over considerable losses. “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6)
In the above verse, we also find the psalmist talking himself through his distress with the truth. He is working through his mind on what is happening even though he does not understand. He uses repetitive reminders as he tries to encourage himself in the Lord.
Do you encourage yourself in the Lord when your feelings are haywire? It is possible to feel far from God, abandoned and depressed, but despite that, God has not left you or forsaken you. We just need to remind ourselves of the truth sometimes!
From Hope in God, Psalms 42-44