Dearest Believer,

In times of turmoil, suffering, or overwhelming floods, do you sometimes isolate yourself or move your focus off Christ and onto something or someone else? Do you become trapped in your emotional state as you look within? I know at times I do. It is so easy to do. So human. The Psalmist felt this way and speaks of it with such transparency as to be exceedingly relatable. Even as believers, we may feel the pressures of the world around us, the heartbreak of aspects in our lives, and the influence of our thoughts and feelings. The Psalmist felt this. Yet, he knew he was not alone. But sometimes knowing and feeling are incongruent. Sometimes, our emotions are so strong, that they seem to overshadow the truth. Let’s look at how this Old Testament saint handled it. 

“As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 

When shall I come and appear before God?” (v.1,2)

He had a need. He recognized his need for God’s help and knew only the living God had the solution to his problem. His dependence on the Almighty was so strong, that he compared it to a basic physical and desperate need- thirst. And he longed for God’s presence. It is important to note here that the Psalmist had an established relationship with the LORD at this time. He did not call out to God merely because he was sad or in trouble. He KNEW God. He had a personal relationship with Him before his troubles began. 

“My tears have been my food day and night. (v.3)

Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

 and why are you in turmoil within me? (v.5a)

Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls;

All your breakers and your waves have gone over me. (v. 7)

Why have you forgotten me?” (v. 9)

He is in despair and clearly overwhelmed. He cries out to God honestly and authentically. God is not afraid of our emotions and questions. He wants us to come to him wholeheartedly. But we see here also that the Psalmist is not only crying out to God, but is speaking to himself, to his own soul.  Our hearts and minds are not to be listened to, as they can be deceitful (Jer.19:7). So what does he do? He speaks God’s truth to himself. He knows God’s character and reminds himself of who his God is and what He has done. 

 “My soul is downcast within me;

    therefore I will remember you…(v.6)

 By day the LORD directs His love, 

    at night his song is with me- 

       a prayer to the God of my life.” (v.8)

Dear Believer, we all feel downcast at points in our lives. But what encouragement and hope we find in the midst of our troubles in who God is! He is the God who directs His love on us by day, and His song by night.  The faithful Redeemer who knows our innermost thoughts and anxieties and commands us to cast our cares on Him. He is the Living Water our soul thirsts for, and the only One who satisfies. When our soul is troubled, as it often is, remember these things. Speak these truths to yourself. And believe them! The answer is found by the Psalmist, as he concludes his psalm and speaks to his own soul, 

“Put your hope in God, 

    for I will yet praise Him, 

  My Savior and my God.”

May these truths soothe your soul.

The Lord be with you, 

Bianca