Why Are You Cast Down, Oh My Soul?
In Psalm 42, David writes a question and response twice. I find this very, very interesting and important.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God." -Psalm 42:11
This seems so simple, yet if we are being completely honest, it is so hard to actually do.
When we find our souls in utter despair and hopelessness, we ultimately have two things we can choose to do. Both are hard, but we must choose our wisely.
We can continue to allow the heartache, frustrations, anxiety, anger, bitterness, etc consume us and therefore stay living in a place of hopelessness.
We can choose to take heart and refocus our mind on the Truth that God is our only true hope and salvation, leading us to a place of inexplainable peace and hope.
Often times, it feels much easier to just sit in the feelings and allow ourselves to live in hopelessness, but sometimes I just question why we do that? I think in some ways it brings about a false comfort and validation that whatever it is we are going through warrants the feelings, and in other ways I just think we do not actually realize we have another options.
Reading through this passage, I began to really wonder, what does it look like to choose to "hope in God" in the midst of our soul's despair? It came across to me as something so simple to do - just hope in God. However, it is not as easy as saying "okay, God, I am sad but I am going to hope in You today." The feelings are still present and real in that simple and passive attempt to feel better and truly hope in God.
When we are able to really address what is going on in our heart and soul, we are able to grow in understanding of this verse and truly find peace in learning how to hope in God, as He alone is our salvation and our God.
What would it look like for you to take a pen and paper (or open the notepad on your phone) and write down the various things that are tiring your soul? What is it that is bringing you grief and pain? What is it that angers or confuses you? What is it that makes you feel anxious? What are you actually afraid of? By taking the time to clearly and boldly write these things down and get them out of your head, you are able to begin processing and surrendering those thoughts to God. In this process, if you so choose, you will be able to start to reconciling where you are putting your hope and seeking salvation apart from the Lord Himself. When we are able to tangibly see where we are putting our hope and trust, we are able to really see how this is affecting our soul and life.
We are not meant to trust in ourselves. We are not meant to figure it all out. We are not meant to carry the burdens of life all alone. We are not meant to place our hope and security in another human being or any particular thing. Because when we do that, we inevitably find ourselves in a place of fear, despair, frustration, etc. Nothing can fill that void of hope other than Jesus Christ Himself, and we must come to terms with that reality.
This side of Glory, we are each constantly wrestling the fact that we are in a constant pursuit of learning contentment and satisfaction in Christ alone.
As we continue to go about this journey, I pray that today. you would truly examine your soul and challenge yourself to refocus and put your hope in Christ. I know it is hard, but I also know it is possible, especially when everything feels out of sorts and difficult. Although it is not the easiest choice, I pray that you find the courage and "confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). He is present with you, I promise.
Choose to praise Him today. Let your feeble hands, weak knees, teary eyes, and weary voice be your sacrifice to Him today. And seek to trust Him to be your Deliverer and your God. He will restore your hope as you fight to solely hope in Him.
Soli Deo gloria. 🤟🏼