Why are you cast down, O my soul? And 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

This Psalm is a classic example of the art of and the need to “counsel ourselves.”

Throughout the Psalm, David laments his “down and out” spiritual condition. He was in a dry and thirsty spiritual condition (v.1-2). He felt distance between himself and God, causing tears of sorrow (v.2-3). He remembers when he felt closer to God and to God’s people (v.4). He was depressed, or as he put it, “cast down” (v.5, 6, 11).

But rather than roll over and give up, David counseled himself. He spoke words of encouragement to himself. He reminded himself that his hope was in God, that he would continue to praise God even from the pits of despair (v.5). He reminded himself of God’s rule over all (v.6), and of His lovingkindness (v.7). He likewise reminded himself that God was his Rock, even in the worst of times (v.8-10). When it felt as if there was no hope, David reminded himself that His sure hope is in God and in God alone!

These are the kinds of things with which we can encourage one another. And they are the things we need to encourage ourselves with—whether we feel it or not. Why? Because they are true!