“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted (disturbed) within me…?” Psalm 42:5 (NKJV)
The psalmist in this scripture is trying to boost himself up, by giving himself a pep talk. His soul (mind, will and emotions) are screaming the blues and depression. The answer to these two questions in Psalm 42:5 goes on and says, “…Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”
Life and its circumstances can be tough and hard, but remember what the writer of this psalm did. He gave himself a boost! He talked to his soul, saying “Cheer up soul!” and he praised God because God was his hope!
When God is your hope things aren’t hopeless!!! Take your eyes off your circumstances and look to God for HE is the help of your countenance! In Isaiah 61:3 the Lord instructs us to “put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”
“Be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance.” Matthew 6:16
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance.” Proverbs 15:13
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Proverbs 31:24
Thank you! Thank you! I often share readings with friends. One friend just thanked me for something I shared. This friend said that this was a rough period. We all have rough times! My reading I sent her was from Ecclesiastes. You know? “To everything there is a season!” God knows all about it. So, today I just read another message of encouragement!