“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God…” -Psalm 42:11 (KJV)

Have you ever had one of those days when your heart feels heavy and your spirit feels tired? You love God, you trust God, yet there is still a battle taking place on the inside. If so, you are not alone.

The writer of Psalm 42 was not talking to someone else, he was talking to himself. He asked, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” In other words, “Why am I letting discouragement have the final word?” Then he reminded himself of a greater truth: “Hope thou in God.”

Sometimes the greatest sermon we hear is the one we preach to ourselves.

When fear says, “Give up,” remind yourself that God is still faithful. When circumstances say, “Nothing is changing,” remind yourself that God is still working. When your feelings try to convince you that you are alone, remind yourself that the Lord has promised never to leave you nor forsake you.

Notice that the Psalmist did not place his hope in his circumstances improving. He placed his hope in God Himself.

Today, lift your eyes above the problem and focus on the Provider. Your situation may not change overnight, but God’s character has never changed. He is still good. He is still able. He is still worthy of your trust.

So if your soul feels cast down today, take heart. Hope in God. Better days are ahead, and the One who has carried you this far will not fail you now.