Hope in God

Hope isn’t in a feeling or a season—it’s in the unchanging God who holds us steady.

"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 and my God" (Psalm 42:5-6a).

Photo by Daniel Lerman on Unsplash

David knew what it was like to feel distant from God. His soul was parched, longing for the presence of God like a deer panting for water (v.1). He could remember seasons of joyful worship—standing among the people of God, singing praises in the temple. But now? That joy felt distant, almost unreachable.

Many of us know that feeling. We remember times when our faith felt alive, when worship felt effortless, when God felt near. But in seasons of dryness, those memories can feel more like reminders of what we’ve lost rather than signs of what’s still true. That’s why David wrestles: Why the turmoil? Why the heaviness?

Scripture doesn’t dismiss these feelings. It doesn’t tell us to fake joy or push past the weight of sorrow. Instead, it invites us to be honest about the struggle—and to remember the deeper reality beneath it.

Two things are true at once:

1. We will have times of being cast down.

2. But our hope is in God.

David doesn’t deny his pain, but he doesn’t let it define his hope either. He preaches to his own soul: Hope in God. I will again praise Him. His circumstances shift, but God does not. His love does not waver. His salvation does not move with the tides of our emotions.

That’s why hope is not found in a feeling, a spiritual high, or even a season of clarity. Hope is found in the unchanging God who holds us steady even when our hearts feel unsteady. So today, even if joy feels out of reach, keep preaching to your soul—you will praise Him again. He is your salvation. He is your God. And He is still worthy of all your hope.

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ON THE HORIZON

• Launching Good News at Rock Bottom - This upcoming Wednesday night, we have the joy of celebrating the release of Good News at Rock Bottom, a new book from our founding pastor, Ray Ortlund. Born out of last year’s Wednesday night teaching, this book is a reminder that Jesus meets us in the depths of our need. Join us in Sadler at 6:30 PM as Ray shares more about the heart behind the book, followed by a time for Q&A. We hope you’ll come and be encouraged by the good news of Christ’s presence with us—even at rock bottom.