Hope in God

How often do you talk to yourself? When you do, do you also answer? When you are feeling a bit low, can you pick yourself up? If you can, what is the source of your pick-me-up?


Reading through Psalms 42-46 this morning, and I noticed a repeating phrase, occurring in both Psalm 42 and 43. Turns out, these psalms were likely one psalm, later divided into separate ones by those compiling the Old Testament. Read through these two together, as if they were one complete series of thoughts.

Then put yourself in the frame of mind of being cast out, as this psalm was probably written during the Exile. God was not speaking directly to them, and this psalmist is left to complain (lament), and then time and again he finds reasons to rest in the hope and strength of his faith.

He shares his grief, and then reminds himself, speaking to himself,
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

In times of deep despair, hope and gladness can seem so far off. We can certainly sympathize with the tone and context of this passage. We can feel forgotten by God, or feel as if our prayers have not been answered to our satisfaction. People around us may wonder out loud, “So where IS this God of yours?” Or they may say that in some other terms.

The psalmist reacts to such feelings and external pressure just as we should.
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”

God’s presence in our lives, and the hope in His promises can bring us through anything. I’ve had my trials, and I’m sure there will be more “down” times ahead. No doubt you are no different. Let’s pray today for God’s peace in our lives, as we willingly try to rest in the hope He has made known to us.

“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”