Thank God for Fridays

Psalm 43

1 Vindicate me, O God,
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.

2 You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?

3 Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

4 Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

So many people begin to get the blues at this time of the year. Even though most Christians don't like to admit that they get down, they too can fall into this. We set ourselves up for false expectations. We want our Christmas to be picture perfect and everyone to have warm fuzzy feelings. When reality doesn't meet our expectations, we feel down.

Even David had times of discouragement and despair. In Psalm 43 he talks about feeling like God has rejected him and left him at the mercy of his enemies. However, he then goes on to talk about praising the Lord and in the last verse, it sounds like he is giving himself a little lecture. "David, why are you so depressed?" "Put your hope in God and it will turn out okay!"

Have you ever done that? I know that in my life the solution to feeling down and depressed is to focus on what God is doing in my life. To remember the hope that I have. To offer praise to Him. When I do that, my whole outlook changes.

So if you struggle with feeling overwhelmed, discouraged and ready to give up at times, remember the hope that you have. Remember what the Lord has done for you!

This morning let's list some things that you want to give God praise for. He truly is the reason for our hope!

My praises:

♫ Nathan is so excited about the fire department. I mean he is not fighting any fires or anything like that, but for a boy who has always loved anything to do with firetrucks, he is in heaven! He has gotten to wash the trucks and ride on one to pick up some equipment. He is loving it!

♫ Praise God for His provision for us. He is always faithful to provide us what we need when we need it.

♫ For a wonderful church congregation that loves us and supports us.

♫ For the modern technology that allows us to visit with one another and be encouraged from the comfort of our homes. It really is wonderful to be able to have information at the touch of your hand via the internet. I appreciate each of you who read my blog!

Okay, it's your turn!