Sometimes I feel like I’m riding an emotional elevator – up and down. Up and down. Up and down.
We are emotional beings, and because we are, we live a certain amount of the time in a reactionary stance. Something happens, it causes an emotional response in us. Cause and effect. Action and reaction.
Most of us, including me, live a bit enslaved to our emotions. After all, when you’re sad, you’re sad, right? Yes and no.
It is extremely helpful for me to look through the Psalms, a very emotional book in the Bible, and see time and time again the writers telling their soul who’s boss:
“My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2).
“My soul, praise Yahweh! Lord my God, you are very great; You are clothed with majesty and splendor” (Psalm 104:1).
“Why and I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5; 43:5).
That’s just a small sampling, but a beautiful one. There is something amazing and empowering about these words; it’s a defiant refusal to be ruled by temporary emotion. It’s a rebellion against circumstance and an active effort to feed the hope that’s inside you. Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s wrong to be sad. Far from it. It means that even in the worst of times, the darkest of days, you and I can help ourselves to remember the faithfulness of God.
Talk to yourself today. Tell your soul who’s boss.
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Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you Ps 116:7
Thanks for posting; I’m a Psalms junkie. They’re great spiritual nourishment any time of day.
Good word brother. Psalm 42:5 is a rich gem I have to speak often to this anxious soul…also singing “Altar of God” by Glory Revealed (same verses). I am with Don, the Psalms are such a source of encouragement and hope. Real. Brutally honest. Ending in faith in a faithful God.