Here’s a reflective thought: think back to the time when you felt the closest to the Lord. What was going on in your life at that time? The psalmist refects in Psalm 42 “My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!”
It is good to have happy memories in our mind. We can’t stay in memoryland, but it is good to bring those thoughts forward, especially in times that we need to be reassured of God’s goodness toward us and especially when our heart is broken. Past times of joy and celebration are as real and true in your life as the trouble you might be going through right now.
It is also comforting to remember that problems, even times of crisis, have a beginning and an end. You will not always feel the intensity of sadness or heartache that you are experiencing in this moment. After the dark there comes the dawn. Always. God is not unaware of your situation or your strong emotions, even if you are in a season of depression. He cares. He is there.
With the psalmist we can choose to turn our attention to the hope we have in Christ. He has seen us through difficulties in the past. He will see us through our current situation.
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:5
Compassionate Hope 