Why Am I So Sad?
Psalm 42:4-6 My heart breaks as I remember the pleasant times in the past, when I walked with the crowds as I led them up to God’s Temple. I remember the happy songs of praise as they celebrated the festival. Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help!”
One of the things that makes the bad times that we sometimes travel through in life feel even worse is, in the midst of them, remembering the good times that once were. What went wrong? Why can’t things be like that again? Why am I stuck here?
That phenomenon of lamenting the good times does indeed make the bad times feel much worse; the dark times feel much darker; your isolation feel more complete. That’s why, during those times, it feels like you’re the only one. But rest assured, when you do find yourself in that place, you’re far from alone.
In 1717 French writer and philosopher Voltaire was imprisoned in the notorious Bastille in Paris. Known for his great wit and advocacy for civil liberties, it seems that some of his satirical writings weren’t overly appreciated by the French government.
In a letter to a friend he wrote of his great distress, lamenting the good times and the freedom that he’d lost. So, no … it’s not just you. It’s not just me. We all tend to feel that way when we lose something. Writes the psalmist while in exile …
Psalm 42:4-6 My heart breaks as I remember the pleasant times in the past, when I walked with the crowds as I led them up to God’s Temple. I remember the happy songs of praise as they celebrated the festival. Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help!”
And friend, that’s the answer when the searing pain of loss cuts like a knife into your heart. Wait for God’s help. Wait patiently, wait hopefully … despite what your circumstances and your emotions are screaming at you.
I tell you, “Wait for God’s help!”
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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