Take a deep breath.

Let your shoulders drop.

Become aware of God’s presence with you – right here, right now.

Our theme today is hope and our scripture text is Psalm 42:11.

“Why my soul are you downcast?  

Why so disturbed within me? 

Put your hope in God, 

for I will yet praise him,

My Saviour and my God.

Psalm 42:11 gives us a beautiful glimpse into the human heart: the tension between sorrow and hope, between discouragement and trust. It’s a reminder that hope is not wishful thinking, but a deliberate choice to turn our gaze toward God—even when things feel heavy.

The psalmist asks, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
It’s an honest question. And then he gives himself an answer: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him.”

This is the rhythm of real faith. Not pretending everything is fine—but choosing to place our hope in a God who is faithful, even when our emotions waver.

Let’s take a few moments to reflect.

Where in your life do you feel a little downcast right now—disturbed, unsettled, or discouraged?Can you name it honestly before God?

Pause

What would it look like for you to choose hope today—not because everything is fixed, but because God is still faithful?
What would it mean to say, “I will yet praise Him”?

Pause

Think of a young person you know.

What are you hoping for in this young person’s life right now?

Pause

How can you encourage them to place their hope in God—even if things feel messy or uncertain?
Is there a word, a gesture, or a prayer you could offer?

Pause

Let’s return to the words of Psalm 42:11—this time, as a quiet declaration of trust:
“Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”

Even here, even now, there is hope.