Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5)

What, you never talk to yourself?

Sure you do.

That’s what the Psalmist is doing here. He’s giving himself a pep talk, looking in the mirror and saying “Suck it up, Boyo! God is still God, and you’re gonna praise him, come what may!”

Kinda one part cheerleader, two parts drill sergeant.

I love this. I love that the Psalmist is not giving in to despair, nor is he letting his emotions rule the day. He is making a conscious decision that he will praise God.

And it is a matter of will.

Lord, let me hope in you, even when I see no hope. Let me praise you even when I don’t feel like it. 

Happy Thursday, Beloved.