"Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul": A look at Psalms

If I can be completely transparent, I will tell you that this year has challenged me more than many years of trials put together. When I stop to think about all that I have gone through-it's unbelievable. And if I stop to think about it too long, I will find myself in the biggest emotional puddle.

You may understand. You too may be feeling like I do. You too may be going through more than you can handle.

This is not, however, a surprise to God. We are warned and encouraged throughout Scripture that we will face many trials and hardships in this life when we choose to follow Christ. It is actually an indicator that we are on the right (and narrow) path. But sometimes, it is hard to see through the pain.

As we continue learning to let go, I feel led to share some truths we find in the 2nd books of Psalms (Psalms 42-72). Here we see David begging the question: "Why are you cast down, o my soul".

I believe this book of Psalms offers comfort, guidance, encouragement and strength to help us through not only our daily battles but the seasons of difficulty, and serves as a preparation for future persecution.


Our soul connects to our spirit and body. It is the place of sanctification that The Holy Spirit works to bring the wholeness that we are promised through our Lord Jesus Christ. They are full of the life we have lived (before salvation) and the life we are living in Christ. The soul is the place where we 'war against the flesh'.

It is paramount that we come to a place of truth with ourself- our strengths, our weaknesses, our sin 'issues', our default nature and modes in which we operate daily- everything. If we choose to ignore that even after salvation we wrestle against sin, then we do not allow The Holy Spirit to work in us freely. But if we choose to yield to The Holy Spirit and acknowledge our sin (against God, our neighbor, ourself) then we can begin to see the fruit produced in our lives and see our relationship with our Heavenly Father strengthen and grow.

I will speak more on this in the future, Lord willing.

In the meantime, take this to The Lord in prayer and ask Him to show you in His word through the book of Psalms how He can begin or continue to bring peace to your soul.