STRENGTH IN HOPE

There are days when we feel heavy-hearted, as if there is a burden pressing on our souls. This is what the Psalmist experienced in Psalm 43. He expressed that condition from a dark and quiet place. He was far from salvation, he felt trapped by injustice, and surrounded by deceivers and cheaters. However, instead of letting the sadness continue to press him down, he honestly spoke to the Lord, and to his own soul, "Why are you downcast, O my soul?" Those words were not just an acknowledgment of weariness, but also a decision to not sink into anxiety. He strengthened himself, "Put your hope in God! For I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God!"

The honesty of the Psalmist is an expression of sincere courage, the courage to keep hoping, even though the situation has not improved. And today we are taught about a truth that faith is not about never getting tired, but about finding strength in weariness. When life feels heavy, let us follow the Psalmist's example to honestly acknowledge our feelings, and then strengthen our hearts with the word of God. We can say to ourselves, remembering who holds our lives and say, "I am not alone. I will hope in the Lord."

In silence and anxiety, our faith is tested not by the disappearance of problems, but by the courage to keep hoping in the Lord. To learn to cultivate hope in our hearts, even though the storm has not passed. --SYS/www.renunganharian.net