Reading: Psalms 41, 42, 43
My Verse: "Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God" (Psalm 43:5).
Just out of curiosity I looked up how many people suffer depression or excess stress at any given time. One survey by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that 1 out of 10 adults report depression. The USA Today reported that at least 20% of Americans report that they are dealing with high stress. The main factors said to cause high stress are work, money, and relationships. "Why are you cast down, O my soul?"
The statistics are worse when one looks at how many people experience trauma at some point in their lives. The PTSD: National Center for PTSD reports that 60% of men and 50% of women experience trauma at least once in their lives. Not all go on to develop PTDS (post traumatic stress disorder). But the statistics for PTDS are not good. 7-8% of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. About 5.2 million adults will have PTSD during a given year. (ptsd.va.gov)
"Why are you cast down, O my soul?"
Because we live in a fallen world, Christians are not excluded from suffering this malady. LORD God, You do not gloss over this particular problem in Your Word. But the wonderful thing is that we do have hope and help!
The Psalmist reminds himself to "Hope in God." As a follower of You, LORD God I need to remind myself of this often for You are, "my salvation and my God."
My Verse: "Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God" (Psalm 43:5).
Just out of curiosity I looked up how many people suffer depression or excess stress at any given time. One survey by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that 1 out of 10 adults report depression. The USA Today reported that at least 20% of Americans report that they are dealing with high stress. The main factors said to cause high stress are work, money, and relationships. "Why are you cast down, O my soul?"
The statistics are worse when one looks at how many people experience trauma at some point in their lives. The PTSD: National Center for PTSD reports that 60% of men and 50% of women experience trauma at least once in their lives. Not all go on to develop PTDS (post traumatic stress disorder). But the statistics for PTDS are not good. 7-8% of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. About 5.2 million adults will have PTSD during a given year. (ptsd.va.gov)
"Why are you cast down, O my soul?"
Because we live in a fallen world, Christians are not excluded from suffering this malady. LORD God, You do not gloss over this particular problem in Your Word. But the wonderful thing is that we do have hope and help!
The Psalmist reminds himself to "Hope in God." As a follower of You, LORD God I need to remind myself of this often for You are, "my salvation and my God."
"Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!"(43:30)
I can and I must rest on Your promises! You alone are the true and steadfast Hope!
Yes, I will be cast down. Sadly, it is part of the human experience. Especially if we are aware and alive to what is happening around us. But I will come out of that "cast down" state of being by reminding myself that You, LORD God will send Your light. You will lead through the darkest valley and bring me to Your dwelling place.
Thank You, LORD God, for this. I need to be reminded to look to You when I find myself asking that question. "Why are you cast down, O my soul?"
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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