February 10, 2019 WHY SO DOWNCAST?
Psalms 42:5: “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.”
We all know what means to be “downcast” in our soul. Feelings of despair, no hope, helplessness, emptiness, and failure go along with being downcast. Many times despair and being downcast come because of disappointment over things not turning out as we had hoped for. There are many forces at work that would cause us to be in despair and it seems that despair knocks on our door all too often. We live in a culture that seems to set the stage for despair. None of us are exempt from the effects of broken relationships, addictions, materialism, loss of moral character and integrity, crime, corruption in high places, financial pressures and conflict throughout the world. Often, feelings of despair just seem to come out of nowhere-unexplainable-with no apparent reason. David knew that putting his hope in God and praising Him was the cure for being downcast-and so it is for us. It is interesting to see that David talked to himself-this is in itself a powerful truth that would benefit us as well. David was instructing his soul to “shape-up” and put its focus back on God! David took dominion over his soul. We easily lose sight of the fact that we have the power to rein in our soul when it is being influenced by the wrong perspective. We face those times when Mr. Downcast knocks at our door; but the key is not to open the door. If he slips in the back door, then quickly usher him out! Even though David was a man after God’s own heart, he committed some sins that had a tremendous negative impact on him and his family. David repented and God forgave him. I’m sure that David had much regret for what he had done. Also, there were other times in David’s life when he had to deal with despair that came as a result of his enemies’ desire to destroy him. Whether the despair was a result of sin, or from his enemies, David knew that he did not have to live being downcast, and by putting his hope and trust in God and by praising God, despair was defeated. Our Father made provision for us so that we do not have to live being downcast. There is no power that can over-rule the peace of God in our lives. God is the true source of purpose and direction in life and He fulfills the desires of our heart. Another door for despair to enter is that of having no vision. In God’s kingdom, there is no lack of vision if we are in tune with His purposes for our lives. May we not allow a feeling of despair take root in our life and thereby rob us of the overflowing life that God has for us. Yes-we do face problems, challenges, difficulties, and trials on a regular basis, but we do not have to succumb to despair and our soul does not have to be downcast because we can put our hope and trust in God and we can praise Him. Try it-when you feel despair, verbally praise Him and put your trust in Him. He is there and He is ready to restore your soul.
2 Corinthians 10:5: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Blessings,
Buddy
Psalms 42:5: “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.”
We all know what means to be “downcast” in our soul. Feelings of despair, no hope, helplessness, emptiness, and failure go along with being downcast. Many times despair and being downcast come because of disappointment over things not turning out as we had hoped for. There are many forces at work that would cause us to be in despair and it seems that despair knocks on our door all too often. We live in a culture that seems to set the stage for despair. None of us are exempt from the effects of broken relationships, addictions, materialism, loss of moral character and integrity, crime, corruption in high places, financial pressures and conflict throughout the world. Often, feelings of despair just seem to come out of nowhere-unexplainable-with no apparent reason. David knew that putting his hope in God and praising Him was the cure for being downcast-and so it is for us. It is interesting to see that David talked to himself-this is in itself a powerful truth that would benefit us as well. David was instructing his soul to “shape-up” and put its focus back on God! David took dominion over his soul. We easily lose sight of the fact that we have the power to rein in our soul when it is being influenced by the wrong perspective. We face those times when Mr. Downcast knocks at our door; but the key is not to open the door. If he slips in the back door, then quickly usher him out! Even though David was a man after God’s own heart, he committed some sins that had a tremendous negative impact on him and his family. David repented and God forgave him. I’m sure that David had much regret for what he had done. Also, there were other times in David’s life when he had to deal with despair that came as a result of his enemies’ desire to destroy him. Whether the despair was a result of sin, or from his enemies, David knew that he did not have to live being downcast, and by putting his hope and trust in God and by praising God, despair was defeated. Our Father made provision for us so that we do not have to live being downcast. There is no power that can over-rule the peace of God in our lives. God is the true source of purpose and direction in life and He fulfills the desires of our heart. Another door for despair to enter is that of having no vision. In God’s kingdom, there is no lack of vision if we are in tune with His purposes for our lives. May we not allow a feeling of despair take root in our life and thereby rob us of the overflowing life that God has for us. Yes-we do face problems, challenges, difficulties, and trials on a regular basis, but we do not have to succumb to despair and our soul does not have to be downcast because we can put our hope and trust in God and we can praise Him. Try it-when you feel despair, verbally praise Him and put your trust in Him. He is there and He is ready to restore your soul.
2 Corinthians 10:5: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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