Besides Jesus, I have probably studied one particular person in the bible more than any other: my namesake. The shepherd-songwriter-warrior-king David. His story runs the full gamut from adored by the people, to hated by king Saul, to despised by his own son Absalom.
Goliath was not the only one who swore he would kill David. His own king and his own son wanted him dead too. Oh, and his own men spoke of stoning him at one point.
Talk about a bunch of ingrates. This was the guy who slew the giant for heaven’s sake! We all live in a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world. But there is one thing that David did that you and I can learn to do. What was David’s super power? David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Psalm 42:5 begins with the question, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?”
Downcast and disturbed. Profoundly sad, wallowing in self pity and despair, struggling emotionally and spiritually.
David addresses his own soul directly, acknowledging his feelings, not suppressing them.
Rather than spiraling down into a state of depression, he gives himself a charge: “put your hope in God,” emphasizing that even in the midst of emotional distress, faith provides a source of strength. Now the burden is shifted off of himself and his own ability, and he is able to turn the corner and walk upright instead of stoop-shouldered. When things feel hopeless, remember that the redeemed don’t live according to feelings.
The verse concludes with a declaration of trust: “for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God”, showing that worship and gratitude can act as a remedy for despair.
Easier said than done, pulling yourself out of the pit of despair, but if Christ is your anchor, if you are tethered to the cross, it becomes possible.
•••
This content is sponsored by Lyle Celebration Center, www.lylecelebrationcenter.org.
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