Discouraged? Look Up

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. Psalm 42:11 I have to be honest, I have been letting myself give in to discouragement the last few days. These verses speak of the soul being downcast. It's when we take our eyes off God and start looking down at ourselves that discouragement sets in. Verses 1 and 2 say,"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When can I go and meet with God?" Isn't that an awesome description of yearning for God? When I thought of this passage this morning, I had to ask myself if I yearn for God in this way. The Bible says that we are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. I definitely want that to be true of my life, but I'm not sure that it always is. Maybe that's another reason that I needed this trial in my life. The Bible talks about God refining us like gold and gold is refined by fire. Verse 11 quoted above says, "put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." We don't have to, nor should we, wait to praise Him. I think that is key to overcoming discouragement. I have much for which to praise Him. First of all, He has saved me from my sin by the blood of Jesus. Secondly, in this trial I have so many wonderful caregivers. Sean and Tanner have been able to care for me here at home and they do a wonderful job of it. My parents and my sister come and help often as well. I also have many friends who keep checking in and come to do whatever I ask of them. I have so many people praying for me and encouraging me. Last night I had a very restful sleep which has been eluding me lately. I could go on and on. If you're discouraged today, lift up your eyes and your downcast soul and find whatever you can praise God for. I promise you, there is something even if you don't think so.