Well, it's been exactly 2 months since I last posted, so I thought I'd make all your dreams come true, and write a new note. Juuust kidding. I'm not THAT conceited.
Moving on, I recently read a very encouraging verse: Psalm 42:5,12 and 43:5. You'll notice all three of these verses say the exact same thing: "Why are you cast down, o my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my Salvation and my God." And normally, when the Bible repeats a phrase 3 times, it means that it is very important. And this is no exception, in my opinion.
I will admit, I go through periods in my life where I don't feel close to God, and, as a result, become very dejected and "cast down". And when I'm in the midst of this trial, I get really stupid and think that nothing will help me, and I start having little pity parties and saying "Oh, woe is me!", and I don't even consider that there are other people out there who are going through WAY worse things than I could even imagine! Anyway, in reading this verse, it tells me EXACTLY what to do! Put my hope in God, and I will be able to praise Him! How many times have I blindly read that verse, and not even seen that obvious solution?
I know the only way I can even praise God is by His help, and that is demonstrated here: once I put my hope in Him, THEN I can praise Him! I am nothing without Him. I can't even do the simplest things without His grace and mercy. And I am so grateful.
