There are many times in our lives when trials and tribulations seem to consume us. David in Psalm 42:3 said, “My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?” David was longing for God’s presence here.
God certainly has not forsaken His people, but at low moments all of us could testify that there are times when it feels like He has. So, what can be done to be reassured that He did not forsake us? How do we find the hope of God’s care when we are feeling low, and in the grind of inner turmoil? I know what David did, he talked to himself. In Psalm 42:4 he says,
“These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to God’s house, with a voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day.”
David said these things to himself. Sometimes healthy positive self-talk is good therapy. He was saying in Psalms, 42 that when he is blue, he will call to remembrance the past days of victory when he felt God’s presence. In effect saying, “those were the days, those were the days of blessing, joy, and thanksgiving.” After remembering these days, he asks his own soul,
“Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise Him for the saving help of His presence.”
David’s remembrance of God’s past faithfulness should really encourage him.
When our souls are in turmoil it helps to look back to past victories and call to mind specific things God has done for us. Remember the Lord of your past is the Lord right now -God is unchanging.
One thing I’ve learned, is to not only focus on your immediate circumstances or you will likely miss God’s work in your life.
When life gets hard, step back remind yourself of God’s promises. Widen your perspective to what He might be doing through a time of difficulty, remind yourself that you just don’t want to faithful when things are easy. Ask God for wisdom, and then resolve yourself to pass the test in front of you with unwavering faith.
From Pity to Praise 