On Monday I was doing some work on my laptop, while messaging a friend on Facebook when I became overwhelmed with emotion about our circumstances in pursuing adoption, the finances involved, etc. I began to cry and the words, “Why so downcast, O my soul?” were impressed upon on my heart. I could not remember the scripture reference, so I turned to Google. Psalm 42 — a cry from David to the Lord. I have been so heavily burdened with life and things the past couple of weeks. This text was a gentle reminder of where my hope comes from. I probably don’t talk about my feelings enough because I want to appear strong and fearless. Today I feel quite the opposite — weak and fearful. While it may not always be easy, I will put my hope in God and I will praise him regardless of my weariness, fear, frustrations, sadness, and loneliness.
Lord, I pray that your peace would embrace me. Allow me to rest in your arms of love and trust that your perfect will is in motion. I pray for the miracle of a natural pregnancy or a financial blessing to pay for the adoption. Give Steve and I wisdom in our decisions and guide our steps. You know the desires of our heart and we pray that you would bless this journey!
Psalm 42:5-11
5-6 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.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
10 My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
11 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.
After reading that passage, I sang the words to this old chorus: Why so downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God. Put your hope in God. Put your hope in God. Ohhhh. Why so downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God and bless his holy name!
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