by Mike Bennett

In the midst of his tears and trials, other people were deriding the psalmist: “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:3). Even his memories of worshipping God during joyous festivals made him melancholy as he now felt cut off from God.

In response to his own discouragement, the psalmist reminds himself to “hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” This hope recognizes that God is not far off, but is always ready to help us, as if face-to-face.

For more about this passage and about other encouraging scriptures, see “Encouraging Bible Verses.”