Be Your Own Encourager

Without a doubt, we are living in challenging times. Covid-19 has made this time unique, but hard times have hit most every generation.

When I first started reading The Book of Psalms, years ago, I thought it seemed rather depressing. But the more I read it, the more I noticed the writing style.

David always pours out his heart to God. But he generally moves from negative to positive, so it’s worth the read.

A good example is Psalm 42. It begins with David’s lament. He has been forced to run for his life. He misses the days of worshiping with the multitudes in God’s house.

He remembers their joyful songs, praises, and special feast days. He feels isolated and his enemies taunt him saying, “Where is your God?”

David engages in some self-talk more than once. Here it is in the New King James Version (NKJV):

Questions:  Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?

Solutions:    Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says this psalm was written for the sons of Korah, singers in the temple. I wonder if they were as encouraged by David’s self-talk in verse eight as I am?

Here it is: The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me---a prayer to the God of my life.

How are you dealing with these challenging times? Have you poured out your frustrations or disappointments to God? Or have you simply complained to the people around you?

You don’t have to give up, nor do you have to cover up. Challenge yourself with some realistic self-talk, put your hope in God, and be your own encourager.