“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”  Psalm 42:11

Has Your Hope Gone Astray?

Maybe you’ve heard the expression, “Two men looked out of prison bars, one saw mud, the other stars.”

The Lord used this picture to show me an aspect of spiritual warfare. After failing in my own eyes once AGAIN, I started on that downward spiral into the pit of hopelessness and despair. But this time I realized I was in a habit pattern that allowed the enemy to take me captive to self-condemnation, shame and humiliation—to look DOWN and get mired in the muddy mess of self-pity and “woe is me.”

In reality, all I had to do was to look UP to Him like the psalmist did when he penned these words in Psalm 121: “I will lift my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” That was the first step. He has already given me the keys to open those prison doors—His Word of truth and the power of His Holy Spirit.

As I looked UP to Him, He started bringing to my remembrance songs of praise and as I sang those praise songs to Him, they became songs of deliverance for me. Isaiah 61:3 says He has given us beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

When my heart was overwhelmed, He led me to the Rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2). He showed me that when I am distraught over a circumstance or a disappointment, it may very well be because I have placed my hope in something or someone other than Him. When I look UP, I remember where my help comes from and Who my hope is in (Psalm 121). Oh, the joy and freedom that follows when we draw near to Him (James 4:8).

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24).

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Lord, You are worthy of all praise. Thank You for using life’s disappointments to show Yourself strong on my behalf. I’m so grateful that You have not left me to fend for myself, but always hear my cries and continue to lovingly and gently lift my head. You are more awesome than words can say and I love You. Thank You, thank You! In Jesus’ name, Amen!