“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 42:11
Life can sometimes feel heavy, especially when we allow the things of the world to cause our eyes to be cast down. Current events may feel overwhelming. People may bring us disappointment because expectations are left unmet. Maybe a child lashed out in anger or frustration. Maybe a spouse failed to show love the way you wanted. Maybe a coworker failed to appreciate your efforts, or maybe your efforts did not bring the desired results. Any of life’s challenges can cause discontentment or even depression if we take our eyes off Jesus. Mankind is imperfect and prone to selfishness. Only the triune God is perfectly able to give the gift of unconditional love.
The Bible tells us there will be trials in this life, but we are also reminded to place our hope in the Lord. During those times in my life when I feel like I have maximized my strength and abilities, I have to remind myself to Whom I need to cling. There is only one with the strength to guide me through my every need.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I praise your holy name. Your perfect strength guides me through the valleys of my life, and Your perfect love carries me through to brighter days and the promise of eternal salvation. Help me to grow closer to You as I allow You to do Your work in me, especially through life’s challenges. Help me to have the kind of real faith that allows me to see You even when life is hard. Thank You for loving me enough to care for me. I pray that Your grace will be my strength. Help me to glorify You through my trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
