A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Why Are You Downcast, Oh My Soul

Psalms 42:5

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

Psalms 42:5 NIV

The folks I generally hang out with are evangelical protestants. And, for the most part, I find value in that. They are people who share a common faith with me and we have a lot in common. But sometimes I think that we are guilty of putting on a mask. A mask that tells others around us that everything is good. While we might admit to problems in our physical lives, we are more reluctant to share our spiritual struggles.

And that makes this verse kind of refreshing. The Psalmist freely admits that his soul is downcast within him. There are some issues he is working through. I suspect that is much truer in most of our lives than we are willing to admit. Could it be that we are afraid that others might think less of us.

I think the opposite would actually be true. If we were to take off our masks, we might find that there are others facing the same issues. And we might be able to work through them together.

The other thing I like about this verse is the confidence he has that, even though he is broken, he knows that God still loves him. And he will be renewed and will praise God with a pure heart.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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