When bad things happen to you, how can you cope with the adversity without losing your heart for God or even blaming him? Psalm 42 is a deep study in coping with adversity. It's a biblical map which shows us the way out of our struggles and pain and into the heart of God.
King David was running for his life, fleeing from his son Absalom. Absalom had just usurped his throne and was trying to kill David and his family. David had been betrayed by some people he thought were his closest friends. They sided with his son. He was discouraged and heartbroken when he wrote out his thoughts and revealed how he was coping with all of this.
This is Psalm 42 in verse 5 why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? David decides the matter. He chooses to put his hope in God. He chooses to see God as greater than his circumstances. He refused to indulge in doubt, discouragement, or defeat. He doesn't pity himself or let himself fall into a pit of despair.
Verse 5 continues, I will put my hope in God. I will praise him again. My Savior and my God. This is your choice too. Choose to put your hope in God no matter what. David looks to God for forgiveness, grace and favor. God gave him all three. God will do the same for you.
In fact, that's why Jesus came to ensure that we receive forgiveness, grace and favor. Don't let adversity separate you from God. Just because we go through hard times doesn't mean God isn't with us, beside us, loving us. Jesus told us that we have an enemy who came to steal, kill and destroy.
But Jesus continues, I have come that they might have life and have it to the full. John 10:10
Faith Over Feelings: Don't Let Adversity Separate You From God