I Will Yet Praise Him

I WILL YET PRAISE HIM

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

As the deer longs for streams of water,

so I long for you, O God.

I thirst for God, the living God.

When can I go and stand before him?

Day and night I have only tears for food,

while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,

“Where is this God of yours?”

My heart is breaking

as I remember how it used to be:

I walked among the crowds of worshipers,

leading a great procession to the house of God,

singing for joy and giving thanks

amid the sound of a great celebration!

Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—

my Savior and my God!

Now I am deeply discouraged,

but I will remember you. . . .

I hear the tumult of the raging seas

as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.

But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,

and through each night I sing his songs,

praying to God who gives me life.

“O God my rock,” I cry,

“why have you forgotten me?

Why must I wander around in grief,

oppressed by my enemies?”

Their taunts break my bones.

They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?”

Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—

my Savior and my God!

If we believe in Jesus Christ—the one who rescued and forgave us—shouldn’t we always be filled with joy and hope? This psalm reflects what many of us feel from time to time. Our circumstances hijack our emotions and lead us into despair, confusion, or doubt. How might our lives be shaped if, when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances, we praise God and remember who he is and what he has done, even when we don’t see or feel him?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What kinds of experiences or circumstances tend to hijack your emotions? What do you tell yourself in those moments?
• Write down what you know to be true about God. How might you recall these truths during times you are questioning his goodness, his presence, or your own security in him?

Thank you, Lord, that you are bigger than any circumstance I might face. Even when my emotions blur my perspective and muddle the truth, you direct your love toward me. Even when things seem to be spinning out of control, I am completely secure in you. Even when I feel alone and abandoned, you are with me. Bring these truths to my mind when I am tempted toward despair or doubt. My hope is in you. Amen.