Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" Psalm 42, verse 5 starts with these two questions. Its quite common that occasionally we feel downcast. It might even feel like our sorrow has no bound, that we have lost our heart completely. The reason for this could be anything. Maybe something didn't go according to plan. Maybe someone said mean things. Maybe our opinion on something was shot down. Maybe it could be fatigue. Or it could even be some looming sadness which we can't explain with reasons. While it would be nice to flip a switch and instantly get rid of the gloom, it seldom works that way. Its possible that we can temporarily distract ourselves, however this is a short lived solution.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

So what can we do? Apostle Paul, who went through a lot of physical and mental anguish during his ministry period, states as such in faith.

... since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. (2 Corinthians 4:1)

His (and his companions) reason for not losing heart is because, the ministry they have is through God's mercy, and thus, God will provide everything needed, no matter what happens. This applies to us as well, no matter what we do here on Earth, it is because of God's mercy and grace, and we will be provided in everything, therefore, there is no need to worry about our predicament. He further adds,

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

When we have faith that God will take care of everything for us, we will be strengthened inwardly in spirit and soul. Even if the outwardly situation looks bleak, it is not the end of the story. Elsewhere, Paul prays as such for others,

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians 3:16,17)

Moreover, in regards to sorrow due to worries, Jesus says,

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26)

In God's sight, we are precious and valuable. So don't worry about anything. Let not your face be downcast. Have faith in God, and keep praising him. Everything will be good in due time.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5)