Trouble, Hope and Praise - Message #207

Trouble often brings depression. We pity ourselves. We ask, "Why me, Lord?" Kids are especially prone to pity parties. So are adults. Psalm 43:5 gives us a solution. "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God."

First, being disturbed, getting down, and being troubled are real experiences. We should never put down people who go through such times of depression. Second, we should recognize God is the answer to our troubles and depression. We should not look at ourselves and engage in self-pity. Instead, we should hope in God. Third, the hope mentioned in the Psalm is not some vague euphoric feeling about the future. We have this nebulous hope when we hope tomorrow will go well. Rather, the hope mentioned here is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a solid foundation upon which to build our present lives. Fourth, since hope is a gift from God, it must be used. It must be exercised. We exercise hope when we turn to God and offer Him praise and thanksgiving. Finally and fifth, guess what? Praise and thanksgiving put a glow on our faces. Inner hope is turned to outward joy. We move from the pits to the pinnacle.

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