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Scripture: Psalm 42:1–11
Key Verse: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:5)
Isn’t it easy to feel stressed and anxious about all the things you need to get done in a day? Maybe you wake up and immediately think, “Well, I’ll be busy until I go to bed tonight.” We like to stay busy, having lots of things to do. Because of this lifestyle, it is easy for us to become overwhelmed with all the demands of our constantly moving military world—things like PCS orders, having a parent be deployed, or starting over in a new location. We often feel overwhelmed and do not know how to cry out to God during this time.
For me, Psalm 42 has such a beautiful and peaceful feel to it. I find that it calms my soul. In distress the writer says: “My soul thirsts for God” and he asks, “Why am I cast down?” The stresses of life can leave us feeling cast down. Sometimes it seems like there is no way out when we are feeling overwhelmed due to our circumstances. However, God shows us in this psalm that he cares for us in our distress. God saves us in our time of need. When we are overwhelmed, the psalm writer encourages us to hope in God and praise him.
Consider
Do you cry out for God and his provision during overwhelming times? Why or why not?
If you were to be honest with yourself, do you believe God is your salvation? Why or why not?
Practice
This week schedule ten minutes each day to just sit and relax. Try to not have anything planned during this time. Let it be a time for you to reflect quietly. Turn off your devices to avoid interruptions. At the end of each ten-minute period, write down some short notes describing your experience.
Chat
Lord, sometimes my life is too busy and I get overwhelmed with all the things I have to do or deal with. I am thankful that you are my salvation and that you care for me. Remind me that in the times of hardship and chaos in my life I can seek you for peace and comfort. Thank you for loving me. Amen.
