Psalm 42:11–Why are you cast down, O my soul,

Hopefully as we grow older we become more acquainted with the things that trigger our souls.  What agitates us, what makes us hopeful or joyful, we usually become pretty clear as to what triggers our souls “mood”.  But what happens when you don’t know why you feel “down” or depressed?  What is your response when your soul proves to be out of your control?

Becoming a Christian means that we become more and more acquainted with our soul/spirit before God, more so than what we do or look like.  As a Christian I came to realize why I felt guilt and no joy inside.  Those things were usually triggered by sin. But you learn that sin, doesn’t explain all the reasons of why your soul can be troubled…

The Psalmist David asked the same question in a prayer to God.  Not aware of any sin that would bring his soul into turmoil, David is confused about his sadness.  Yet what David does do, is acknowledge that we are not in control of ourselves ultimately, and the outcome of joy or sadness within…

If you read the whole of Psalm 42, David is not shying away from God.  He realizes that he can’t create a circumstance or “stimulus” for joy and peace inside, yet he doesn’t lose hope.  He recalls when he did have real joy and praise for God and encourages himself. David challenges us to fight against the confusion and frustration of not experiencing the joy we expect when living by faith.  It is a test of our faith that we will hope in God, and “shall praise Him again” in the joy of our salvation, if we keep trusting!

In His Love, Ld