Staying Afloat When You Seem To Be Sinking Psalm 42:9-11 Purpose: To remind us of our hope in God during difficult times.

That sinking feeling The Christian life is not easy. Many challenges and obstacles will be in our way. Christians often find themselves in stages of depression, isolation, confusion. Where is God in our troubles? What can we do to overcome the feeling of sinking spiritually? Psalm 42 gives several answers on how we can deal with spiritual depression.

Responding to discouragement Ask God “Why?”, Vs. 9. It’s ok to ask God why things happen. Remember God’s love for you, vs. 5, 8, 11. He is your God and your salvation. His love for you is steadfast.

Responding to discouragement Sing out, vs. 8. Sing your praises, sing your prayers. “It Is Well With My Soul.” Talk to yourself—preach it, vs. 5, 11. Stop listening to the negative self. Instead, speak to yourself affirmatively. Rom. 8:31-39. Who can be against you if God is for you?

Responding to discouragement Remember the past times with God, vs. 4. Importance of worship with others. Lifting our praise to God. Desire God, thirst for Him, vs. 1-2. In our darkest hours we need God the most. When we feel apart from God we should yearn, desire, thirst to be with Him again. Hope in God, vs. 5, 11. Don’t forget to turn to God in difficult times.

Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him. Don’t keep sinking… Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him.