Devotional Message

When we find ourselves in a state of depression, emptiness, or deep pain, we typically have an internal dialogue similar to the Psalmist. We speak to our own souls, asking what is wrong, what triggered us, what is the root of our pain. This moment is quite beautiful, as noticing the disturbance within is acknowledging real emotional struggle that us humans are meant to feel—it is the moment we are truly honest with ourselves.

But once we notice our emotional dysregulation, rather than staying in that darkness, we can choose to turn to the light—to remember who God is, His will, and the ways He can save us. This practice of having internal conversations where we preach to ourselves becomes the deliberate choice to ‘put our hope in God,’ despite the heavy feelings we’re experiencing. Like the psalmist asking ‘Why, my soul, are you downcast?’ we learn to redirect our hearts toward truth rather than allowing our emotions to have the final word.

When everything feels dark, the moment we speak to God, turn to Him, or pray for healing, we discover that declaring ‘I will yet praise him’ shifts our perspective from present pain to future restoration. The repetition of this hope helps us combat all discouragement, as each time we revisit Him, we remember His character as our Savior and God and find hope in what He will eventually provide for us. Even when we cannot feel it, we choose to believe that praise will come again.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, in all honesty, today I’m really struggling emotionally. My heart feels heavy, my mind is perplexed, and the pain I feel is stopping me in my tracks. So I want to say thank you for giving me a safe space and permission to bring my true feelings to you.

Knowing I can’t do this alone, I am asking for help—help me choose hope despite these painful circumstances and let me remember your faithfulness that you provided in past difficulties. Like the psalmist, I am asking my soul, ‘What is wrong?’ and choose to put my hope in you instead of remaining in despair.

I commit to seeking you even when it’s difficult and will try my best to focus on your character rather than my circumstances. Even though I cannot feel it right now, I believe that I will praise you again. Thank you for your role as both my Savior and personal God. Amen.

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