In moments of "soul distress," what can we do? While managing our emotions is complex, there are incredibly powerful steps we can take to impact our spiritual trajectory. The author of Psalm 42 teaches us how.
so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (42:1-3) Spiritual thirst is natural. Like physical thirst, it is a crucial rhythmic mechanism that repeatedly drives your soul to the love of God.
so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (42:1-3) God is not so cruel that He would give a powerful inner drive that tells you your soul is thirsty yet leaves you powerless to direct it to His love.
so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (42:1-3) Thirst points to hope. It is evidence of water. Soul-thirst is evidence for the love of God.
why are you in turmoil within me? (v. 5, 11 & 43:5) Soul direction starts with asking questions of your soul. cast down - bowed, crouched, humbled Questions of inquiry & introspection.
why are you in turmoil within me? (v. 5, 11 & 43:5) turmoil - howling, roaring, brawling Questions of challenge. Soul direction starts with asking questions of your soul.
They say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”(t) (42:3) “Why have you forgotten me?(d)… Why do I go on mourning?”(t) (42:9) “You are the God in whom I take refuge(d). Why have you rejected me(t)? (43:2)
why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him…” (v. 5, 11 & 43:5) Directing your soul involves the exercise of authority. Martin Lloyd Jones… “Have you realized?…
why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him…” (v. 5, 11 & 43:5) You can direct your soul to be “open.” hope ( לַחָי ) yachal - wait with expectation
why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him…” (v. 5, 11 & 43:5) You can direct your soul towards the object of it’s hope or expectation. direct, assign, invest, place, put
my salvation and my God.” (v. 5, 11 & 43:5) You PUT YOUR SOUL’S HOPE IN GOD when you intentionally preach the TRUTH of the gospel to your soul. You can reason with your soul.
my salvation and my God.” (v. 5, 11 & 43:5) Three elements of the gospel are key. “shall” -LOVE in the resurrection. “salvation” -LOVE in the cross. “God/Lord” -LOVE as a follower.