Psalm 42:11 (NIV®)
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.

Despair afflicts a great many people in our nation. Studies show people in all stages of life feel no hope for their future, even young people who seemingly have many years of adventure and happiness ahead of them. This is spiritual oppression, and no matter our age, we must guard our hearts against it. To maintain our hope and not be swept away by despair and despondency, we will have to change the way we think and the way we respond. Yes, we must acknowledge that bad things happen in the world. But more importantly, we must acknowledge our God is in control, and He desires good things for us. The writer of this psalm knew how it felt to be in despair. In verse 3 he says, “My tears have been my food day and night.” But he also knew the remedy was in praising God and placing his hope for the future securely in His hands.

THINK ABOUT IT
We are safe in God’s hands. Trust His protective hands today and forever!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, grant me a revelation of Jesus more real than my challenges. I choose to walk in Your light: truth over deception, faith over doubt, hope over despair. I praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness—You are my Rock and Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In Christ,

David