O My Soul, Why Are You So Downcast?

It is Monday morning, again.  Not much has changed since the previous Monday.   Our nation is still at war, anxiety consumes my heart for my nation and family, and I’m facing a painful knee replacement. 

Contrary to the huge sign hanging in my kitchen, “It is Well with My Soul, “ my soul is not well.  It is downcast.  

There are several places in God’s word where it uses the word “downcast”, the turning down of one’s face.  

The first one is found in Genesis 4:5-6.  Cain has just presented his offering to God and it was not pleasing to Him.  Why in the world was his brother, Abel's offering, the firstborn of the flock, accepted and Cain’s offering, fruit of the land, not accepted? Honestly, I would be downcast, too.  “Excuse me, God, I’ve worked hard and given You my best and You reject my work and accept someone else's?"

Ever felt that way?  I have.

The problem is according to Genesis 4:6, Cain knew what was expected and he chose not to do it God’s way.   Pride will cause us to do things our own way instead of God’s.  

Cain was now downcast.  He was angry and maybe even ashamed. 

When I refuse to look up to God and do things His way, sin will have an opportunity to rule over me.   

The word “downcast” is also used in Psalm 42 and 43, both written by David most likely when his son, Absalom,  was rebelling against him.   Can you imagine your own flesh, the one whose diapers you changed, fed every few hours, provided every need and most of their wants, betraying you? 

When close friends or family betray or wound us, our souls can quickly turn downcast.  

In Psalm 42 and 43, David asks God “Why?” eight times. God loves to hear our questions. He also says others observe his turmoil and ask “Where is your God?”  The world will quickly challenge our faith when they see no joy or peace in our lives.  Yet, unlike Cain, David chose to look up and to seek God despite his circumstances.

“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.”  Psalm 42:5  

This verse is repeated almost verbatim in two other places in Psalm 42 and 43.  David knew the answer to a downcast soul was to put all of his hope and expectations in God, not in his family, friends, job, politics, government or even his own ability but in God alone.  

David also came to understand the answer to his emotional well being during difficult times  could only be found in His Savior.  The Hebrew word “help” in Psalm 42:5 is Yeshua, meaning Savior.  The Old Testament name for “Jesus”. 

David discovered that praising His Savior would turn His soul upward.

Examine your heart today.  Is your soul downcast because of disobedience?  Stop now and turn toward Jesus.  Don’t allow sin to have an opportunity to rule your heart.  

If your soul is downcast because of “fights without and fears within” as Paul says in

II Corinthians 7:6, then look up, dear friend.   Spend time speaking and singing His praises.   Allow Jesus alone to be your joy and peace.

By Donna Avant

Passion Promise Ministries