Overcoming Sadness in Your Soul
“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 42:5
King David ruled over ancient Israel and was known as a great writer of prayers and songs throughout his life. In this verse, King David articulates the battle of being led by our emotions rather than by God’s character. He asks a great question of himself: “Why are you so depressed?” Rather than just being led by his internal emotions, he challenges and questions them and calls himself back to the truth. Rather than losing hope, he stirs it back up and tells it where to rest. He’s challenging himself to put his hope back in God rather than the circumstances or the person who had hurt or wronged him. It takes intentionality to retrain your mind!
QUESTIONS
Take time to evaluate the state of your soul. Are you feeling full of joy or overwhelmed? How are you keeping your soul and body refreshed?
CONFESSION
I will not be led by my emotions; I will put my hope in God.
*Devotional excerpt from the devotional, 52 Bible Verses on Hope.
