Yesterday I read a word from Bill Burns. But even before I read it, the Lord had been talking to me about a particular scripture found in the Psalms.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. (Psalm 42:5)
A few hours after this scripture went over and over in my heart, I came across this word from Bill Burns…
Years ago, when our one grandson was six years old, I was sitting alone in the kitchen when he walked in and picked up my frustration without us talking. Children easily pick up what we are going through inside. He turned around without saying a word and walked into the living room where my wife was and said to her, “Grandpa Bill needs to chill.” If that’s not a word for the body of Christ these days. With war raging all around and within us, I sense the Lord saying, “Chill! Enjoy the war. Enjoy every minute of it. Don’t waste it… because we win!” Chill out! (Bill Burns)
I believe these two are saying the same thing. Chill out! Trust God. We win!
Let’s look at some of the words in Psalm 42:5.
Cast down – bowing down to, in despair, weakened.
Disquieted – murmuring, growling, troubled, tossed about.
Hope – hope, expect, wait for.
Praise – confess, give thanks and praise.
So, in essence, God is saying.
“Why are you bowing down to fear and circumstances? Why are you allowing them to weaken you and get you in despair? Why are you murmuring and growling? Why are you troubled and wavering? Hope, expect and wait for Me to fulfill my Word. Confess the Word. Give thanks and praise Me.”
I could stop writing here, and you would get the message I believe.
I am not being critical at all. I too have battled fear. I have been guilty of allowing circumstances and everything going on around me to cause me to be discouraged and distressed. I am speaking to myself as much as I am speaking to you.
I believe God was speaking to me first and then wanted me to share it with you.
I love how the Passion Translation shares Psalm 42:5.
So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for you are my saving grace!
This week, purpose in your heart to chill. To be at peace. Dig deep into God’s Word and allow Him to speak to you. Don’t look at the chaos around you – look deep into His Word. HOPE IN GOD. Confess His Word. Declare His goodness. And praise His name.
