Are you bursting with thanks and praise right now? Are you running around filled with joy, telling everyone about all the good things God has done for you?
Or does that sound pretty far-fetched because right now you’re struggling?
Things are tough for many people these days…financially, with the recent hurricanes, and with all the other things going on in our world. When times get difficult, it can be easy to feel down.
And it’s during those times we need God the most. Because He can provide just the encouragement we need.
In the book of Psalms, David frequently cries out to God– sometimes with frustration, sometimes with anger, but always with honesty. And it’s a reminder that we can be completely up-front with God about our feelings and what we’re going through.
It’s also a reminder that we can find encouragement in His word. And the power to turn our hearts around. It’s hard to stay frustrated or discouraged when you read verses like Psalm 9…
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name.†Psalm 9:1-2
Somehow, just reading that verse helps turn feelings of frustration and discouragement into joy.
So if you’re feeling down lately, or if things seem particularly hard, try reading some of the verses in Psalms. Let yourself be encouraged and…
“May he grant you your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
And in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.†Psalm 20:4-5
So true. A very good message for today. Our joy is in Him.
I actually am so thankful right now because I know I am sooooo blessed… my girls are such amazing gifts, my business is growing, we’re all safe and well… but my trouble is then I get so scared thinking that everything is perfect, so there’s no where to go but down. And I start to panic that we won’t stay healthy, that an earthquake will hit, that some other disaster will happen. (And of course I’m so stressed by the busyness brought on by my blessings, that I tend to not enjoy the moments.)
And I also feel guilty that our lives are so good when others are suffering… and I try to make sure I’m enjoying every moment 100%, but then that thought is stressful too.
Sigh.
I do need the reminder that true Joy is not based on circumstances but comes from God.
Thank you!
Good advice. And I do enjoy reading the Psalms!
Thanks so much Genny, a 2 hour wait at airport security today reminded me that I have let a bit too much frustration and discouragement creep in. I’ll be getting into those Psalms!
Thank you. I needed that today. I have several dramas about to be played out in my life. Things that are out of my control. All I can do is wait. And pray. And rejoice.