Stir Up Your Soul - The Crosswalk Devotional - June 9
Stir Up Your Soul
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” -Psalm 42:5, NIV.
Each morning, I stumble out of bed in total darkness. I am an early riser, so I am up well before sunrise most mornings. This routine is not a natural tendency but a proactive choice to rouse my soul out of darkness and into the light. Even when I fall asleep the night before with peaceful assurance and confidence of faith, somehow, my heart greets the new day with apprehension and even dread. It’s almost as if the natural darkness shrouds my spirit and snuffs out my ability to recall the light.
Why is that? Why is darkness so much easier to accept than the promise of light? Why are our minds and hearts so easily consumed by negative projections of bleakness rather than a fixation on optimistic anticipation? Reading through today’s scripture in Psalm 42, we see this is not a new experience for believers.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?”
Here, the author is dealing with spiritual angst and questions why there is such a disconnect between the mind and the heart. Why must they be at conflict with one another? He knows the truth of God’s goodness, but his heart struggles to follow suit. Though at war with one another, the psalmist doesn’t crumble in defeat. He does not allow his feelings to dictate truth. Instead, he boldly places his confidence in what is unseen rather than what is seen.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5, NIV).
Perhaps you find yourself greeting the day with this same apprehension. How can you press through the fog of angst and beckon your soul to look beyond the darkness? You make a choice - an intentional, determined choice to believe the truth over your emotions and circumstances. Like the psalmist, we can force ourselves to remember that which night has caused us to forget.
“These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.” v. 4 (ESV)
Though his soul is weary and downcast at this moment, the author recalls seasons when God’s nearness and goodness were evident and joy came easily. He also reminds himself of the Lord’s presence and work.
“My soul is cast down within me;
therefore, I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.” v. 6 (ESV)
Each recollection wins the battle for peace, assurance, and hope.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why am I so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
If you find yourself greeting today in darkness, join me as we declare what we know to be true rather than what we see before us. Before we know it, that first glimmer of sunrise will break through the darkness. We will see light. We will feel light. Then, we will take that first deep breath, and our souls will soar.
We will yet praise Him!
This is the day the Lord has made.
We WILL rejoice and be glad in it
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you greet the day with joy or apprehension? Are there times when you feel as if you are surrounded by darkness and cannot see the light? If so, are you able to identify why your soul is downcast? Perhaps some hurts or hardships are weighing you down with doubt or confusion.
Like the psalmist in our passage today, look back through your life and recall moments where you saw God’s goodness and provision at work. Write down each one in a journal or your notes on your phone. Then, find a few key scriptures that remind you of God’s truths and promises to combat your doubts, fears, or worries. The Bible says:
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).
The truth of God’s Word and the evidence of His work in your life are the keys to peace and freedom from the lies of darkness. Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). Intentionally choose to step into His light today. Choose to praise Him.
Further Reading:
Psalm 42
John 8:12
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Maria Korneeva
To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter. If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.
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Related Resource: Relapse, Trauma, and the Power of Community
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