When we forget we have a choice in how we respond to our feelings, we become hostage to our emotions. Instead, Psalm 42 reminds us to exercise control over our feelings and to tell ourselves what to do. Psalm 42:5 reads:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation” (Psalm 42:5 ESV)
I love the progression of this verse. First, he’s downcast. Then he decided to have hope anyway. And finally tells himself what he will do: praise God. Don’t let your feelings stifle your praise. Praising God has the power to shift your feelings. We’re reminded that we don’t have to wait until we feel good or life is perfect to praise God. You’ll be waiting forever if you do that. But when we focus on God and praise Him despite our feelings, we’ll find that our feelings will follow.
Praising God doesn’t have to be just during worship songs. It’s doing the next right thing in spite of your feelings. That may be overlooking an offense, cleaning your home without complaining, showing up to work on time, or reading your Bible. Being led by faith means we choose to worship God in our actions first and let our feelings catch up.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being worthy of my praise no matter what. I pray for power to praise and glorify You, no matter what I feel. I cast my feelings and cares to You and trust You to heal, restore, and transform as only You can, so I praise You in advance. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray, Amen.
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