“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Saviour and my God” Psalms 42:5 NLT
Have you ever stood at the ocean’s edge, bracing yourself as waves crash against your legs? You plant your feet, determined to stand firm. But the force of the water makes you stumble. That’s precisely what happens when trials hit and we’re forced to hold onto our convictions.
In our anchor scripture, the writer responds to the overwhelming struggles in his life. This verse captures the believer’s journey in trying times, when you’re fighting to hold onto what you know about God while trials threaten to pull you under. The writer of this Psalm shows us how to maintain conviction: he speaks directly to his own soul, encouraging himself in the Lord.
How can you encourage yourself in the Lord? First, remember who He is to you. Notice the psalmist’s language: “my God and my Saviour.” This is crucial because exalting who God is above your circumstances creates hope, hope rooted in the truth that He is bigger than your situation and present with you in it (Psalm 20:7, Psalm 46:1).
Remembering God’s faithfulness in your past is another way to maintain conviction in difficult times. The same God who showed up in previous seasons is with you now and will carry you through to the end. Scripture shows us this pattern: even while struggling, the psalmist intentionally recounts God’s deliverances (Psalm 77:10-15).
When you remember the greatness of God and His faithfulness in times past, you develop a habit of gratitude even in difficult seasons. This gratitude becomes essential for protecting your joy when everything feels dark. As you remember His past faithfulness, rehearse His promises too, let His Word anchor what you know to be true.
Another strong strategy in the midst of a storm is prayer. When you feel overwhelmed, prayer can seem impossible, which is exactly what the enemy wants you to think. But God invites you to cast all your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Be honest about how you feel. Tell Him exactly where you’re weary, where you’re struggling. He is your Father and the Father of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). When you pray, God’s peace guards your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7)
Go a step further to reach out to someone you trust. You’re part of the family of Christ and not meant to carry burdens alone. The enemy whispers that no one cares, but there are people who love you and will stand with you when you’re too weary to fight.
Dear believer, God is with you in storms and dark seasons. You can trust Him completely. His faithfulness endures forever, and this truth can anchor your conviction when everything else shifts.
Bible Reading Plan: Lamentations 1–2; 1 Timothy 3