Helped!

Helped!

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. Psalm 42:11 KJV

The Inspiration:

The sons of Korah are credited with the words of this psalm. As you read the verses just before this one, you get the impression of pain, disappointment and defeat. There would have been some unpleasant experiences, as well as regrets over missed oppourtunities. The writers said so much in the psalm, looking back at some very great encounters of God's grace, and wishing for a return of those good times. However, if these 'bad' times did not come, how would I appreciate the grace of God for the good times I have enjoyed? If life was all rosy, with no clouds, how does God prepare me for the journey that is called 'life'? Nowhere does God promise me that it will be constantly calm outside of me, but in my heart and soul, His presence will make a big difference. 

The Expectation:

The question then will be: "Does God have total control of my heart"? Is He the One who daily pulls its strings so that it responds to His leading and direction? I cannot place a demand on an account that is not in my name, and as much as God would love me to enjoy His grace, there is a part that I must play in allowing that grace to work in and through me. God's grace is available for all men, and it is sufficient for all situations, but the issue will always be about my response and reception to this grace. I also ask the same question that the sons of Korah ask here, after I have sorted out my allegiance and control. I must not allow the storms of life derail my faith and confidence in God. If I truly know this God spoken of here, I know I am safe in and with Him. 

The Conclusion:

The fact that He tells me what to expect in the future speaks to his power, might, wisdom and grace. He does not leave me to navigate this life blindly, but by His grace, He supplies all I need for the journey of life and Godliness. The charge then, and the charge now, is still: "Hope in God'. Praise lies at the end of hope in God. No man hopes in God to the end and is disappointed. You may not get what the world expects, but when did the world become the measuring gauge for grace? The world cannot give you that which it does not have: hope. Only God can; He speaks to my past and present, and seals my future. I look ahead with hope, daily praising Him, confident that He can, and will perfect all that concerns me. God's time of favour is here.