Bible Verse to Lift You Up 3/1/21

VKB

WE GET TO CHOOSE

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Psalm 42:5

New King James Version

“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.”

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Psalm 42:5

Easy-to-Read Version

“Why am I so sad?

Why am I so upset?

I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help!

You will again be able to praise him,

your God, the one who will save you.”

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me: I think many of us experience a disquieted soul, a sad and upset state of being. Some of us are sad more than others due to our brain chemistry, the magnitude of our hardships or both. Yet, each one of us can choose to hope in God. Notice the word “choose”. Yes, we can choose to keep thinking sad, upset, and miserable thoughts because we see no easy answers to our problems. Then again, we can choose instead to focus on God who is all-powerful, all-wise and loves us unconditionally.

If our choice is God, our thoughts turn to the One who is ready, willing, and able to be our hope and our help. Sometimes He lifts us right out of the trouble. Sometimes He leaves us right where we are and walks with us through the hard times. Each day, He gives us wisdom, guidance and stamina. This means no matter what, we stay strong on the inside, trusting our Lord knows what is best. His answer is always best for us, others, and for His glory. When we don’t give up and still have a smile on our face, we show the world just how good our God is, always giving us exactly what we need.

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Take Away: Sometimes it takes practice, practice, practice in choosing faith in God over sad thoughts. Pray for help, and keep at it. It is worth the effort.

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**If your sadness or fears are overwhelming, please consider discussing this with your pastor and your doctor. Thank God we live in a time where we can get the medical/psychological assistance we need.