1. Good morning and WELCOME!
IN GOD

2. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.” Psalm 42:1-4 NIV

3. “Why are you downcast, O my soul. Why so disturbed within me
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon – from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:5-8 NIV

4. “I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me
“I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:9-11 NIV

5. Feeling Oppressed and Depressed
Oppression comes in many forms
Outward circumstances – people, sickness, debt, a job . . .
Inward feelings – fear, worry, sadness . . .

6. Feeling Oppressed and Depressed
Sometimes depression sets in
Feelings of deep sadness and hopelessness – Psalm 42:5, 7
How we deal with these feelings is crucial!

7. Fighting to Keep Hope in God
A sermon to myself
Hope in God! – Psalm 42:5, 6, 11; Job 2:9-10
The living God, my Savior, my Rock, the God of my life – Psalm 42:2, 5, 8-9

8. Fighting to Keep Hope in God
Remember past experiences of God’s goodness
When He filled our hearts with joy and thanksgiving – Psalm 42:4
When we felt His presence, and knew He was blessing our lives – Psalm 42:6
His steadfast love everyday – Psalm 42:8

9. The Need for Perseverance
Keep yearning for God
Keep seeking God with all your heart! – Psalm 42:1-2; Hebrews 11:6; Jeremiah 29:11-13
Keep longing to commune with God – Psalm 42:2

10. The Need for Perseverance
Keep worshipping God
Worship connects us with God – Psalm 42:5; Hebrews 4:14-16
Worship keeps us focused on God – Psalm 42:11; Hebrews 10:24-25

11. Keep Hoping in God!