Psalms that have impacted my Life Psalm 42 Part 3

I am encouraged by the psalmist that although he was feeling the pressures of life he turned his focus on the source of his answer – his God. There is a danger when we are experiencing these pressures that we can feel that we are a victim, not an overcomer. We are encouraged by the words of Jesus in John 16:33 which says: “These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. It is so good to remember that Jesus has overcome the world, we are living on the victory side and while there will be times that are not pleasant to experience, that is when we have the opportunity to experience His peace. In Verse 6 the psalmist says: “O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizah”. While the psalmist does not explain the significance of these places it is obvious that the psalmist had experienced the goodness of God in those places. This is something that we need to remind ourselves continually of the times that God has stepped in and blessed us. The chorus of an old hymn says: “Count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done”. Recently the automatic transmission on my car failed, while I had sufficient funds put aside for emergencies I was so blessed when someone gave me $1000 towards the cost of the repairs. I was also overwhelmed by the number of people who offered to take me to church while the car was being repaired. In Verse 7 the Psalmist tells of the greatness of the situation he was facing: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your waters and billows have gone over me”. This is where the truth of God’s word is such an encouragement. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: “No temptation has overtaken you except such is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond that you are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it”. I must admit that there have been times when I have told the Lord that I did not know that I was that strong in Him. We are also encouraged by Phillipians 4:19 which says: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. This is something that the psalmist believed because he said in Verse 8  “The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me – a prayer to the God of my life”. It is so precious when we have such a personal relationship with the Lord that we know in all situations He is with us. And not only with us but has provided and given us the strength that we need in all situations. May we never be overcome by adverse situations but use them as an opportunity to see the greatness of our God in our lives. We serve such a wonderful Saviour who not only loves us but protects us in all the situations of life.