Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Promise of the Holy Spirit
Psalm 42
(v.5) “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.”
It’s hard to believe that the Sun is 93 million miles from the Earth when the summer weather hits. The sweltering heat and the brightness of the glaring sun make it feel like it’s looming right over you. Yet when seasons change and that harsh storm hits, it’s difficult to recall a hint of that warmth and radiance. When facing the storm, the present, punishing reality in front of you sometimes leaves you only focused on trying to stay afloat. Though we don’t feel the overwhelming power of the sun, it doesn’t change the reality or need for the sun to sustain life. In many ways, this can feel like our relationship with God. Psalm 42 highlights the struggle of the believer when hardship comes. Speaking to the condition of a weary soul, the sons of Korah hit on the highs and lows but remember what matters most.
The sons of Korah were cousins of Moses and their father had infamously been killed for trying to rebel against Moses’ leadership as highlighted in Numbers 16 and 26. The children were spared and became ardent musicians and worshippers of God. They had authored a portion of the book of Psalms and authored Psalm 42. As can be seen in the chapter, the format of the writing is like a song with the verse of focus for today repeated like a chorus in verses 5 and 11. The sons of Korah start the chapter by speaking about the condition of every person. Though the world may feel if we have all our basic physical needs fulfilled we’ll be fine, the author highlights the needs of our metaphysical souls. We as people have God-sized holes in our spirit, and there is need for Him. We are more than flesh, bones, and neurotransmitters basic biology outlines. Thus there is an unquenchable thirst for God.
Though a person may aware of their greater needs, they struggle with the outside reality around them. The author highlights the worldly struggle of peers who would taunt and question a God who allows the difficulty to occur to us as seen in verse 3. Coupled with the fact that we as people may fill our souls longing with everything of this world that does not satisfy- wealth, possessions, lust, to name a few, it leaves us destitute and ultimately unsatisfied. The author remembers the good times of worship in the temple, yet it seems so long ago. As the author gets to verse 5, they remind themselves of what they must do- putting their hope in God and to keep praising Him even in the difficult times. “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.”
For some of us you may feel like the author. You can remember the good times with community in church and the spiritual highs, but difficult time within your family, loss, financial hardship, health struggles, and stress can make you feel like God is so distant. Let us take to heart the verse of focus to praise God in the storms and good times, in famine and plenty. As we move out of the Easter season the Holy Spirit was given to us fifty days after Passover on Pentecost. This was a promise Jesus highlighted in John 14:16 as a helper and a presence God left to us until he returns, continuing the sanctification process in which we become more like Christ. We are not alone ever!
Our prayer life and songs to God will not always be high times in the sun, but more often than not, struggle and difficult storms. However, we must discern what truly satisfies the soul and hold onto what God has done for us- salvation from sin and paradise with Him in due time. Rather than running away or filling ourselves with what does not complete us, let us praise God in the tempest of trial and remember His grace. Hope in God is a worthwhile investment, of this I am sure. May you be blessed and seek the Spirit of God to sustain you as we do what Christ has called us to. Amen.
The sons of Korah were cousins of Moses and their father had infamously been killed for trying to rebel against Moses’ leadership as highlighted in Numbers 16 and 26. The children were spared and became ardent musicians and worshippers of God. They had authored a portion of the book of Psalms and authored Psalm 42. As can be seen in the chapter, the format of the writing is like a song with the verse of focus for today repeated like a chorus in verses 5 and 11. The sons of Korah start the chapter by speaking about the condition of every person. Though the world may feel if we have all our basic physical needs fulfilled we’ll be fine, the author highlights the needs of our metaphysical souls. We as people have God-sized holes in our spirit, and there is need for Him. We are more than flesh, bones, and neurotransmitters basic biology outlines. Thus there is an unquenchable thirst for God.
Though a person may aware of their greater needs, they struggle with the outside reality around them. The author highlights the worldly struggle of peers who would taunt and question a God who allows the difficulty to occur to us as seen in verse 3. Coupled with the fact that we as people may fill our souls longing with everything of this world that does not satisfy- wealth, possessions, lust, to name a few, it leaves us destitute and ultimately unsatisfied. The author remembers the good times of worship in the temple, yet it seems so long ago. As the author gets to verse 5, they remind themselves of what they must do- putting their hope in God and to keep praising Him even in the difficult times. “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.”
For some of us you may feel like the author. You can remember the good times with community in church and the spiritual highs, but difficult time within your family, loss, financial hardship, health struggles, and stress can make you feel like God is so distant. Let us take to heart the verse of focus to praise God in the storms and good times, in famine and plenty. As we move out of the Easter season the Holy Spirit was given to us fifty days after Passover on Pentecost. This was a promise Jesus highlighted in John 14:16 as a helper and a presence God left to us until he returns, continuing the sanctification process in which we become more like Christ. We are not alone ever!
Our prayer life and songs to God will not always be high times in the sun, but more often than not, struggle and difficult storms. However, we must discern what truly satisfies the soul and hold onto what God has done for us- salvation from sin and paradise with Him in due time. Rather than running away or filling ourselves with what does not complete us, let us praise God in the tempest of trial and remember His grace. Hope in God is a worthwhile investment, of this I am sure. May you be blessed and seek the Spirit of God to sustain you as we do what Christ has called us to. Amen.
Prayer
Lord God, please help me to follow you in the darkest times and trials. Let me not forget your goodness and seek your Spirit when my flesh fails me. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How do I handle struggle in my walk with God and what are the supports I have to keep me focused? What do I need to work on in my walk with the Lord?
Mr. Arun Chacko
Mar Thoma Church of Staten Island
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church