Today’s scripture: Psalm 42 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynnette Pullen):
In chapter 42, the psalmist wrote so candidly about his inner struggles with doubt and fear. Something I am all to familiar with. I like to read different versions of the bible to get a better understanding of what is written. It often gives a broader picture and a deeper meaning to certain passages and words. But for some reason, when I read this chapter, I heard somewhere deep in myself “How would you say this in your own words?” This chapter resonated so much with me that I felt like God was gently probing me to discover why, and to use this verse to express how I feel. This would be my “version” of Psalm 42:
1 As a lost and wandering dog pants and searches for water, so does my soul search and thirst for you. 2 Sometimes I get so tired of this place and I just want to go home. When will I see You again? I want to be with You. 3 I cry constantly, stuffing my face with food to stop the pain while Satan whispers “Where is your God now?” 4 I rehearse over and over in my mind the times I have led worship at home, at church or even in private. Always singing Your praise and genuinely glorifying Your name, a true celebration of love and worship. 5 Then how can I be so discouraged? Why am I so sad? Where did this fear and doubt come from? Somehow I have forgotten. Somewhere along the line I looked away from God and lost my Hope. God did not forsake me. Refocus! I will sing my songs, praise my Lord and wait patiently for my Help! 6 I try to fight the good fight, but I am weak and easily disheartened. I can feel the doubt easing in. But then I look at Your resume, and I remember. From the moment I was born You kept me. You protected me as a child when I was helpless in Satan’s grip. You rescued me when I was drowning in dark abyss of unrequited love. 7 Yet and still, wave after wave of trials and tribulations crash against me and I falter under the weight. 8 However, even in my weakness, You promise to love me without ceasing day in and day out. And just to prove it, You leave simple, sweet love songs in my heart while I am sleeping so that I may arise and sing a new song. May my life, the good and the bad, be to Your glory always. 9 You let me come to you as I am and ask “Where were You?”, “Satan taunts me and says You may help some people but You will never help me, is this true?”10 My enemy’s laughs are like a bat to my knees. It cripples me instantly. 11 I lie there and hear You whisper to me “Why are you so sad?, How did you become so discouraged?” Refocus! Listen Satan! Can you hear it? Yes, it’s music!! It’s the song my Lord put it my heart and I will sing God’s praises forever and ever! Amen.
As you look at Psalm 42, how would you write this message in your own words?
Prayer for the day: God, thank You so much for loving us when we fall. We can be so critical of ourselves and tend to focus on all of the defeats and mistakes. Thank You for always encouraging, uplifting and inspiring us. Help us to be a light for each other when we find ourselves in dark places. We know that doubt is the antithesis of faith. Help us to recognize it at it’s onset and use the gift of praise to restore our trust in You. Amen!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.