TALKING TO YOUR SOUL

"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" (Psa 42:6)

Regeneration initiates conflict. While we are in this tabernacle of clay, we must contend with unpleasantness– feelings of the soul that pull us into the debilitating territory of despair. The apostle Paul, referring to his own experiences, called this being "troubled," "perplexed," and "cast down" (2 Cor 4:7). The Psalmist called it being "cast down." This is a spiritual experience–something that occurs within, and is not always apparent to those who see us.

This is more than just being discouraged, or having a bad day. It is a unique experience of the godly, who have put their trust in Christ Jesus. For them, being "cast down" is coming short of what they desire in Christ Jesus. They "pant" for the Living God like a deer seeks for water (42:1). Yet, there are times when He seems distant, and life is not lived on the crest of the wave. Enemies seem to dominate, and our labors for the Lord appear fruitless and vain. The graces we fervently seek may even appear out of reach. Ah, it is a soul-wrenching experience to be "cast down."

What does a person do when "cast down?" First, it is imperative to know WHERE the experience is taking place. It is in our "soul," not our spirit. Our "soul" is inferior to our spirit. It is the locus of feeling, intellect, and will–yet it is not our superior part. If you are unable to distinguish between your soul and spirit, the Word of God is able to make that distinction apparent to you (Heb 4:12).

Become an expert in counseling your soul. Talk to it! Ask why it is cast down. The whole exercise seems foolish to the flesh, but it is not. Your faith is in God, not circumstance. Remind your soul that God has not abandoned you. You will not always be "cast down." Even in this life, you will "yet praise Him For the help of His countenance." His face will shine on you again! His favor will be apparent to you again! Your labor in the Lord will yet be seen for what it really is. When "cast down," you are in a temporary situation. God will not leave you there! Nothing has changed in heaven. Your status as a son of God remains the same. Christ's intercession for you has not been interrupted. Remind your soul of these verities.

Look at being "cast down" as common, but unreasonable. See it as real, but temporary. God does not counsel us to ask WHY we are His sons, but why our soul is cast down! He does not require us to ask WHY Jesus died, but why our soul is cast down! He does not provoke us to ask WHY trouble has come our way, but why our soul is cast down. It will not last long. Respond to it in faith.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Christ, thank you that being cast down is a temporary experience for those who are justified.

-- MONDAY: SATAN WORKS IN DISOBEDIENT PEOPLE --