“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11 (NASB)
Susan just “knew” that if God would give her the desire of her heart she would be happy. If this one thing could happen, she believed she would be content.
Sometimes we are worn out and we want to realize the hope that we long for. We know just what God should hurry up and do in order to satisfy us.
The thing you are focusing on may satisfy for a while. Yet it will not meet the deep longing of your soul. God’s presence is the only thing that will. He created you with that need for Him. He fills it. He is the one to put your hope in.
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11
To hope in God means to seek Him with confident expectation. Yet when the desire of our hearts consumes us, we neglect His presence. We blame Him for our unfulfilled hope. We leave His Word unread, our prayers become wish lists and we want Him to hurry.
If your hope is growing thin and the desire of your heart is unfulfilled, turn your attention to His presence instead. Take some time to ask Him to speak to you through His Word. Recount His faithfulness. Pour out your heart to Him. Praise Him. Tell Him your disappointments. Ask His forgiveness. Listen. As you draw near to God, He promises to draw near to you. His presence will refresh you.
Father God, Thank you that You are everything I need. Help me to believe that and to move toward experiencing that in a deeper way today. Forgive me for focusing all my energy on my unfulfilled wishes. Help me today to seek You with a new desire. Bring me into Your presence and refresh me. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Thought: Commit your hopes and dreams to God and leave them with Him. Then begin seeking His presence with the same energy you sought your particular desire. It may sound trite to you now but the result will amaze you. Our God is a God of surprises and He wants us first to experience Him! Make the change today. He waits to bless you in His presence.
By Gail Rodgers
used be permission