Hope in God.
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 43:5
Is your heart heavy and longing to be back in fellowship with the Saints? Are eagerly anticipating that glorious Sunday when you will be reunited with your church family in the sweet fellowship of corporate worship? Is your soul thirsting for the sweet refreshment of the Lord’s supper that you haven’t tasted in a while? My friend, you are not alone. Many all around the world are longing to be back in fellowship with the church. Even king David longed for this blessing of fellowship. Psalm 42 and 43 depict King David lamenting the fact that he could not gather with His people and worship the Lord in the sanctuary because he was oppressed by His enemies.
We can take heart in David’s remedy for the despairing soul “hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”
Like David, we must meditate on the goodness of God, on his love, faithfulness, light and truth as means to guide us through the mountains and the valleys. David knew that if he dwelled on his own problems without putting his hope in the Lord, he would be overcome with despair. We must lift our eyes (and our thoughts) heavenward, so that we can give the Lord the praise He is due.
The Lord has given abundant promises to His people – promises of endurance, perseverance and eternal security. During hard seasons, we should meditate on these promises- fixing our eyes on Jesus. It is so easy to be overcome by feelings during the valleys of life. We must be diligent in preaching the Gospel to our hearts. Remember that while feelings are fleeting the Word of the Lord will stand forever. We must lift our eyes to God, we must meditate on Scripture and put our hope in God even when we don’t “feel” like it.
Putting our hope in the Lord is the only way to lift our downcast and weary souls. Lift your eyes to Christ – our salvation and our God! Call to mind His promises and have hope!
But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23
Verses for further reflection: Romans 8, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 6:13-20, 1 Peter 1:3-9