Hopeful Praise

Psalm 42:11

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

The best remedy for shifting your disposition is praise. One of the greatest tools for dismantling discouragement is placing our hope in God and expressing it through exuberant praise.

Praise is the expression of honor and gratitude as an act of worship to God. It is not just a heartfelt song, an exhilarating dance, or words of admiration—it is a mindset.

In life, we will face challenges that can lead to discouragement, sadness, despair, or even depression. But God reminds us that we don’t have to remain in a downcast state. When we ask ourselves, Why am I feeling this way?, we open the door to deep reflection, allowing us to uncover the root of our emotions. This reflection also gives the Holy Spirit room to illuminate God’s Word, addressing whatever we are struggling with.

Unpacking what is often hidden can feel overwhelming, but it is a necessary practice to ensure that we remain hopeful in God and filled with praise. When our hearts are filled with hope and praise, there is no room for discouragement.

Remember to encourage and comfort yourself with the Word of the Lord. When you do, you will find that your soul is strengthened and your hope restored.

Reflection

Do you feel downcast? Why?

Do you believe God can help you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come to You because I know You love me and have given me the great privilege of casting all my cares upon You. Today, I surrender everything that weighs my soul down. I offer myself as a living sacrifice. Fill me with Your joy and peace as I put on the garment of praise. Lord, as I consider Your goodness and faithfulness, I pray that Your Holy Spirit will refresh my soul. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Seasons

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Seasons last but for a moment. We transition from one season to another. We see it all around us. So many things begin to change as it ushers in a new season. The amount of daylight changes, leaves turn into different colors and the weather begins to shift. All in preparation for what is to come. Each season is characterized by what it brings and what we can look forward to.

Yet, just like the four seasons that come every year, we too undergo seasons in our lives. We each have experienced a winter, spring, summer and fall season over the years. But unlike the seasons we experience throughout the year; the seasons in our lives are on a different time table. They last longer than several months and are more favorable than others.

Winter tends to be that season that you face many challenges, trials, testings and discomfort in your walk. Our Spring season is a time of setting things in order, preparation and making new declarations. Our Summer season is a time to bear fruit, to produce and advance in what God has called us to. While, our Fall season is a time of rest.

No matter the season, God has given each of us the grace to see it through, the favor to overcome, the strength to remain standing and the resources to be successful. God doesn't want us to despise our current season but to learn from it. There are valuable lessons in each one that is going to help you in your next one. Season are meant to transition you to your next level. If you fail to learn the lessons or follow instructions, you will remain in that season.

If you have been asking God how can you move forward, you need to first recognize your season. Once that is determined, ask God what is it that you need to learn or gain that will prepare me and shift me to the next season. Once you are able to settle on what God is instructing, then you will begin to see a shift in your season.

Ultimately, your season is for your growth and not for your demise. No matter how difficult or uncomfortable, God is building you and preparing you to step into your new season regardless of your environment.

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