Message Notes

(I) OUR SOULS CAN END UP BEING UNABLE TO PRAISE GOD

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why are you disquieted within me?Hope in God: For I shall yet praise Him,The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11

1. When the soul feels downcast

2. When there is disquiet

3. When things feel hopeless

a) Tears

“My tears have been my food day and night…” Psalm 42:3a

b) Taunts of enemies

“Where is your God?” Psalm 42:3b, 10d

(II) REGAINING JOY

1. Recognising Soul-thirst

“As the deer pants for the water brooks,So pants my soul for You, O God.” Psalm 42:1

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:2

2. Responding to Soul-thirst

a) Use the Power of Recall

“When I remember these things…” Psalm 42:4

“…Therefore I will remember You…” Psalm 42:6b

“…I used to go with the multitude…” Psalm 42:4

“…I went with them to the house of God…” Psalm 42:4

b) Utilise the privilege of prayer

“…I pour out my soul within me…” Psalm 42:4b

“O my God, my soul is cast down within me…” Psalm 42:6

3. Exercise Hope

a) Addressing the soul firmly

“…Hope in God…” Psalm 42:5c; 11c

b) Recall songs in the night

“…And in the night His song shall be with me…” Psalm 42:8b

c) Recall His promises

“The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,And in the night His song shall be with me…” Psalm 42:8

(III) GUARDING THE GIFT OF JOY

1. Treasure the gift of Joy

2. Guard the gift of Joy

3. Practise the art of Joy