DEVOTION – DAY 529

Psalm 42:11 “Our Hope Is In God”

Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 42 is a prayer for deliverance. It is relevant for everyone because everyone faces challenges of various kinds throughout their lives. Whether it relates to health issues, a fall in financial circumstances, pressures at the workplace, relationship and familial tensions, depression, disappointments and so on. V11 above reminds us that we should not be downcast during challenging times and to remember we can put our hope in the Lord. He is Almighty, Personal and He is our Savior. The Lord Jesus never promised that His followers would be free from trouble – instead, He already warned that there will always be troubles. But He promises His presence in our lives. He promises to empower us to face our challenges.

We know a Pastor who is in his 70’s. He is still serving the Lord although he no longer pastors a church. He still preaches from time to time. When he preaches, his voice is still strong and convicting. The passion is still there as in his youth. He is still energetic. But behind the façade, he is also facing many health challenges. He has heart issues, spinal issues that gives him back pain and some other issues that comes with aging. Despite all these challenges, he refused to be down-casted or disturbed. He knows that these health challenges do not define him because he is a child of God. Thus, he can call upon the help of the Lord, for his hope is in the Lord. So, instead of complaining, he chooses to praise God. And God enables him to face each day in victory, and to continue to serve Him well, despite these challenges.

On the other hand, we know a woman who also have multiple health issues due to aging. She is often depressed that there are many things she is no longer able to do. She is beginning to be unsteady on her feet and she fears being housebound. She cried out to her idols for help and for a change in her circumstances. But her situation did not improve. We had to gently tell her that she needed Jesus Christ in her life as her Lord and Savior – not to take her out of her circumstances, but to help her rise above her circumstances, to live a life of victory. We are still praying for her salvation.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we praise you for you are Almighty, Personal and Gracious. Thank you for being always present to help us as we face the challenges in our lives. Please help us to emerge victorious in the face of difficulties and to give you the glory. We humbly pray in the majestic name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Why do people allow their circumstances and challenges to affect them when they have God to turn to? Discuss.
  2. How has God helped you to weather past challenges in your life? Share.
  3. What are some of your present circumstances and challenges that you need God’s help and support?
  4. How does knowing God’s presence in your life help you as you face these challenges?