Chill Out!
Educational Reform Requires More Than Dismantling the DOE
Commanders Agree to ‘Never Censor’ Redskins Logo Again
The Purpose of Family
A Revival Spark in Election Despair?
Chill Out!
While meditating on the scripture found in Psalms 42:5 recently, I came across a word from Bill Burns.
Join others crying out to the Lord day and night.
The scripture says, Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. (Ps 42:5)
The word from Bill Burns confirmed what I was reading.
Years ago, when our one grandson was six years old, I was sitting alone in the kitchen when he walked in and picked up my frustration without us talking. Children easily pick up what we are going through inside. He turned around without saying a word and walked into the living room where my wife was and said to her, “Grandpa Bill needs to chill.” If that’s not a word for the body of Christ these days. With war raging all around and within us, I sense the Lord saying, “Chill! Enjoy the war. Enjoy every minute of it. Don’t waste it… because we win!” Chill out! (Bill Burns)
I believe the scripture found in Psalms and the words from Bill Burns are saying the same thing. Chill out! Trust God. We win!
Let’s look at some of the words in Psalm 42:5.
Cast down – bowing down to, in despair, weakened.
Disquieted – murmuring, growling, troubled, tossed about.
Hope – hope, expect, wait for.
Praise – confess, give thanks and praise.
In essence, God is saying.
“Why are you bowing down to fear and circumstances? Why are you allowing them to weaken you and get you in despair? Why are you murmuring and growling? Why are you troubled and wavering? Hope, expect and wait for Me to fulfill my Word. Confess the Word. Give thanks and praise Me.”
Have you ever felt that way? Weak and in despair? Have you been guilty of murmuring and complaining through your circumstances or about the world we live in today? I am not being critical at all. I, too, have battled fear. I have been guilty of allowing circumstances and everything around me to cause me to be discouraged and distressed. I, too have complained and murmured while awaiting an answer from God.
I love how the Passion Translation shares Psalm 42:5. So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for you are my saving grace!
Whether you are facing personal battles or in despair over the atmosphere of our nation – this is a timely word for you and I. God alone is our saving grace, and He will not fail us. Our part is to continue to hope and wait on God, knowing He is faithful always.
Today, no matter the turmoil that surrounds you or the challenges you may face, consciously embrace the peace of God within. Intentionally cultivate inner peace by immersing yourself in God’s Word, allowing its wisdom and comfort to resonate deeply in your heart. Instead of fixating on the chaos around you, redirect your focus to the profound truths in scripture. Place your hope firmly in God. Speak forth His promises, affirm His goodness, and lift your voice in heartfelt praise. Let each moment be an opportunity to declare His name, finding strength and solace in His presence.
What did you think of this article? Share your reflections with us in the comments below.
Kim Potter is the author of Deeper Still, a 90-day devotional on a deeper relationship with God. She is also the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, to impart hope. To order her new book or receive her daily encouraging writings, visit her website at www.anewthingministries.com, or Books Archives – A New Thing Ministries. Photo Credit: PublicDomainArchive/pixabay.
Partner with Us
Intercessors for America is the trusted resource for millions of people across the United States committed to praying for our nation. If you have benefited from IFA's resources and community, please consider joining us as a monthly support partner. As a 501(c)3 organization, it's through your support that all this possible.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Privacy Policy
Comments
This is such a needed word for myself and others. Thank you for writing it. Sometimes hope in God is all we have.
I recently caused a car accident. The other party was not hurt–thanks be to God!!–but I feel guilty and depressed. The person I hit depends on that vehical which he shares with his Mom and brother. My car was totalled and that causes a hardship for my husband. This article is like light coming in to begin to dispel the darkness. Thank you and God bless you!!
Sharon, I pray that the Lord will continue to dispel the darkness with the light of hope in YHVH. May the Good Shepherd “roll you over”, and set you upright again! No longer cast down, you can cast all your cares upon Him, and He will make provision for all involved! Thank you, Lord, for no injuries! I’ve walked away from three totalled vehicles, with the worst injury being a sore heel. He has, and He will continue to intervene as You trust Him.
I love Kim and her gentle answers. I’ve been a fan for a long time. God bless you kim and keep them coming.
Boy I could have used this yesterday as our youngest son pushed my buttons after dealing with his anger and rudeness for 2 weeks. He left yesterday and went to stay with his older brother. I was so relieved to see them all go. The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Of course I’m forbidden to play my Christian radio when they are around. They are so woke and anti Christian. It hard to have family around us these days. I’ll be reading this over and over as we face this same ordeal over Christmas as we fly to CO to be with our middle son and wife. I’ll need all the support from God I can get. We will be in the lions den for sure. I keep telling myself it’s about the relationship to keep it going even though we cannot express our desire to be with Christian families and friends. Very hard times right now. Please pray for my boys to open their eyes and heart for our Lord Jesus this season.
May your willingness to persevere in seeking relationship be honored by a change in their attitudes and behavior – may salvation come to your family!
Thank you, Kim, for these encouraging words. I love this verse. It is said twice in this Psalm and once in Psalm 43. What an encouragement to praise God and continue in hope.
Our more modern understanding of what it means to be cast down is to be depressed, and most of us can relate to how that feels. But according to Timothy Keller, in “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” perhaps the psalmist David was thinking of how a shepherd would define “cast down”. If I recall correctly, a cast down sheep is one who has rolled over on it’s back, and cannot right itself – literally, it is unable to. The only resolution is for the shepherd to turn it back over and help it back onto it’s feet.
This scenario paints a far more serious predicament than feeling depressed, although depression can feel and can be very serious. A cast down sheep is completely helpless – easy prey for it’s enemies. It is also prone to fear – a fear so overwhelming that it begins to thrash about until it’s heart is so strained it stops beating. It can succumb to dehydration and hunger. These are very real dangers – literal physical death, and can only be prevented by the shepherd’s intervention.
This should inform us. We need to cry out to The Good Shepherd to set us aright – fully entrusting ourselves to Him and His tender care. We can help in the process, as can others – through focusing on God’s promises and character – hoping in Him – and praising and worshiping Him. But we should never assume that “we can pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps”, or “snap out of it”, or numerous other maxims doled out to those struggling – WE NEED THE GOOD SHEPHERD!
So true, Mary Beth S!
This blessed my heart and rang so true! Without the Good Shepherd turning us right side up there is no hope in our despair. He alone is able and willing to do that . Praise Him ❤️
Amen, Mary Beth! Such a wonderful teaching you just shared!
I love this broken-down-to-literal-meaning translation!!