Psalm 42:1-3, 11

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” … Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 42:1-3, 11

In Mark 5:21-24, Jairus faced a parent’s worst nightmare—the death of his child. Yet in his despair, he turned to Jesus. Even when all seemed lost, Jesus encouraged him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” In our darkest moments, when hope seems foolish, Jesus calls us to trust Him.

Today’s psalm echoes this struggle between despair and hope. As you read, identify with the psalmist’s honesty about his struggles, but also his determination to hope in God. For God is not only our best hope, He is our only hope. What situation in your life feels hopeless right now? The best thing to do is to put your hope in God despite your circumstances. Why? Because He is always bigger than the need.

Pastor Wade O’Neill