Psalm 43:5 “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
DON’T DESPAIR
You are probably too young to remember that song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It has a kind of Jamaican tune to it and was popular quite a few years ago. I wonder if the Psalmist was playing that tune on his lyre. Lol
But the question he asks is a good one. “Why are you in despair, O my soul?” He is chastising himself for not putting his trust in Jehovah God. He knows the answer. He knows his hope. Do you?
TEACHING MOMENT
Children, just like the rest of us, can beat themselves up about stuff. They can despair. They can get depressed. Use this Psalm during that time. Show them the answer to their lowliness. It does NOT rest in someone or something. The answer is God. The answer is their faith in Christ Jesus.
Now let me ask you a question, Mom and Dad. Are you a depressing person? Do you worry or despair a lot? If you do, you WILL affect how your child reacts. You will influence their hope. They need to see you resting in Jesus. Show them how to do that.
We all get down sometimes. But we, as believers, can’t stay there. The world is watching us. This hope we preach must be lived out. This hope we say we believe in must be evident in our lives to be believed by others. Trust Him today. He is the help of your countenance and your God.
A Moment In Time 