Psalm 42:11 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

          It’s that time of year again when the days are shorter, the weather colder, and the sun hides behind clouds more often. We spend more time indoors; and sickness seems to be looming everywhere. 
          Many people struggle with the winter blahs. Some may sleep more, others eat more. Some do less, some watch more TV and others cry more. Some just feel blah, down, or sad.  If you are one who struggles with this you may feel like life goes into neutral, grayscale rather than full color. 
          The Psalmists like Korah, David and others portrayed in the Bible certainly express similar emotions.
          Most of us have times when we feel more down or blue than other times.  It is part of life in a fallen world.  AND IT WILL NOT BE OUR EXPERIENCE IN HEAVEN. 
           In times like these we become introspective and our vision of the world tends to narrow. Let’s face it pain – emotional or physical — tends to give us tunnel vision.  Slam your hand in the car door and that mental list of 5 things you stopped to get at the supermarket goes right out the window.
          What do we do on those days when we feel cast down in our countenance?  We can wander around feeling sorry for ourselves or we can intentionally think beyond ourselves. 
          The Psalmist makes the simple statement “Hope in God.”  Taking time to step back and consider the bigger picture, a God-sized picture, can and does expand our vision beyond ourselves. 
Offering a sacrifice of praise (and in times like these IT IS a sacrifice) is sweet to the Lord and begins the climb out of the doldrums.        

         “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”  Hebrews 13:15
          “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me…” Psalm 50:23
          “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15
          “…Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:11

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America’s Keswick.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study.  Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.