Partial Engagement

Scripture:
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 42:11

Observation: There is an interesting construction to this verse. These three sentences are ordered as a conversation between two people - the author, and his own soul. In this case, he is stating that he will intellectually praise and hope in the Lord, and therefore his soul should do the same in order to overcome it downcast life.

Application: There are times when we are depressed. I have heard others say that worshipping God at such times is wrong, as we would only be going through the motions. However, this verse might argue against that ... in times when we are down and depressed in our innermost selves, we should still engage with God with our minds and perform acts of praise and worship and prayer.

I lose sight of God every day. When I do, I need to continue to 'do his work' and serve others. We must love God with our mind and soul and strength, but when one of those wanders off the other two should still engage.

Prayer: Lord, I seek to fully engage with you today. When I fail, please forgive me and accept my partial engagement. I do love you, and you are my lord in all ways and at all times. Please give me strength to engage with you in every way.