“My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long,
Where is your God? These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
How I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:3-5
I’m feeling a little grouchy. I guess everybody gets into this place sometimes. The writer or writers of Psalm 42 and 43 may have felt a little grouchy, too. At least, it says their soul was downcast. According to the Encarta Dictionary (on my computer) “downcast” means sad and pessimistic. So, yeah, a reason to be grouchy. Yet, the Psalmist mentions many things for which to praise God!
Here’s my personalized version of those thoughts:
These are sad days for me, so I find myself crying sometimes.
I remember happier times and find myself in a pity party.
I used to travel with my beloved and enjoy the company of friends.
Now I’m alone and many friends are far away and busy with their lives.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
God gives comfort and strength as I hope in Him.
He turns my tears to smiles and helps me find usefulness in His service.
I will praise Him, my Savior and my God!
God blesses me with a bounty of vegetables to can and flowers to enjoy.
He has put me in a place to enjoy much of Nature’s beauty.
So as I snap the green beans and prepare the tomatoes for salsa I am thankful.
God keeps me busy as my soul is restored. I must praise Him, my Savior and my God!
Dear God, help all of us on our grouchy days to remember You are the Rock on which we depend and it is in You we put our trust. Amen
OH MY GOODNESS what a beautiful piece of work you’ve posted! Wow! Thanks be to God for this sharing!
I also find myself “grouchy” at times. Especially when overwhelmed with the necessary activities of each day. I find I am not a morning person and wish for what I can’t have. Being thankful four each new day is first on my list of “to do’s”. Thanks for helping me to remember what’s important!