Thursday, March 24, 2016

Psalm 42:5

"Why are you in despair, O my soul? 
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.

The psalmist is talking to himself, admonishing his own soul to change perspective.  For he had the same decision each of us has:  stare at circumstances, or gaze at God.  The one leads to ongoing disappointment, while the other produces promised peace (Isaiah 26:3). 

This peace leads to assured confidence of hope.  Unlike the "hope" of common conversations ("I hope the game won't be rained out"; "With so many people attending, I hope we can find a parking place"), biblical hope is grounded in the immutable character of the living God. 

Thus, Scriptural hope transcends disappointments, disturbances, and situational despair.  With our hearts fixed on the sovereign Lord of every aspect of our lives, we can choose to praise Him for the help of His presence!

NOTE:  May we follow the example of the psalmist, and encourage ourselves in the faith through admonitions and reminders of God's unchanging goodness.  Someone has well said, "The most important sermon you will ever hear is the one you preach to yourself." 

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