Abiding in the PsalmsSample

What about the hard times? Psalm 42 is a psalm of lament, meaning that the writer is in a lot of pain and is calling out to God. This passage of scripture captures a man who is hurting, feels like God is far away from him, but amongst that has not lost sight of His promises. There’s a hard truth in this scripture: God does not promise us happiness in this life. Being a Christian is not a cheat code that makes life easier, takes bad things away or guarantees us good fortune. In fact, Scripture often warns that the opposite is true (Matthew 10:22). What we are promised is a hope for the future, a better day when all sin and sadness will be taken away! What does it look like to hold on to hope? Sometimes we need to convince ourselves of things we know in our head, but don’t feel in our heart. The author of this psalm spends a lot of time preaching to himself and encouraging himself to trust His father (v5). Having a hope for the future doesn’t mean our life always feels great; it means that we trust what our God has said and that He is working for our good (Romans 8:28). We know that the God who has been faithful in the past will be faithful in the future. Our current situation doesn’t define our eternity and He is still worthy of praise! Pray Lord, I don’t know why it feels like you’re not with me. I don’t understand why everything seems to go against me. But I trust in you entirely, I know you surround me whether I feel it or not. Thank you for never giving up on me. Please help me to love you more each day. Song Great Things (Worth It All) - Elevation Worship