Today I'm reading through Psalm 42, and thinking about many people I've met with, counseled, and encountered lately. God has really put many situations on my heart, and this Psalm is speaking to me this morning. Be sure to read through it first before reading on.
The Psalmist is going through a time where he knows he is not close to God...have you been there? When we are in those moments, the weight of the world feels like its going to destroy us. We decide that we need to "help" God with things in our lives, that we know best what needs to happen and when, and we end up trying to accomplish God-sized things in our life using human-sized abilities...every time it will end up in frustration, depression, and coldness towards God.
The Psalmist says that he is longing for God like a deer panting for water, water that it hasn't had in quite a while. The Psalmist has finally gotten to that point of giving up on his own efforts (a good place to be), he is ready to approach God and share what he's feeling. He remembers how he used to be the one leading the charge for God, how he was helping others in their worship of Him...but now he finds himself wondering where God is. WOW!
There are so many people that I've encountered lately who are either talking about how they used to be involved in the church and following God, or they are "appear" to be walking with Him, though their lives show no fruit whatsoever. The Psalmist has found himself distant from God, beaten down by all that is happening in his life, abused by his enemies, ridiculed for the faith he once shared with them. Is it dark in here or is it just me?!?!
Then we find verse 11...a great reminder to all who may find themselves today separated from God for one reason or another. The Psalmist ends with these words: "Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." Nighttime is a dark place, but when we see that first glimpse of sunrise, it can change our whole countenance. Another Psalmist, David, shared it like this in Psalm 30:5: "His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." That's good stuff!
Where are you in your walk with Christ today, honestly? Are you in a dark valley, feeling as though you're walking alone? Are you constantly frustrated by failures in life that seem to be self-imposed? Is there any spiritual fruit being produced in your life (see Galatians 5:22-23)? Seek Him and keep your eyes on Him..."hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him."
Have a blessed day!
PJ
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