Downcast Spirit – Psalm 59:17

O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me loving-kindness.

“Be gone!  In Jesus’ name, be gone, downcast spirit, for I will rejoice.” 

At the first hint of fear, unfulfilled desire, or tribulation, raise a battle cry against the forces aligned to rob your joy.  March boldly into the fight with songs of praise and offerings of thanksgiving, rejoicing as the Lord uplifts your spirit.[1]  Equip your main guard with the Word, which God forever settled in heaven.[2]  Arm your left flank with accounts of the Lord’s loving-kindness and your right flank with His promises to care for you.  Position yourself on the Word’s immutable truths, which do not change with the winds of war.  Although your feelings may be sinking into the depths and your eyes may be losing sight of heaven, do not tremble at the thought of defeat.  Rather, look to your Commander, for He will sustain you and lift you if you fall.[3] 

Strengthened by a spirit of praise and emboldened by a conviction of God’s help in time of trouble, refuse to retreat.  Instead, choose to live above the mêlée in the safe haven of God’s provision.  Stand assured that the Lord would never abandon you, for though your hope may seem irrational, you will not be disappointed in the abounding grace of God.  Trust in Him, and He will show you His loving-kindness, which surrounds you today, as it did yesterday and will tomorrow. 

Is your spirit downcast?  Sing praises to our Lord who preserves us through our struggles and restores our spiritual vision, even if we have shifted our eyes to worldly happenings and forgotten that Jesus makes this life glorious when we make Him our hope.[4]  Remember that He wants you to prosper in body, mind, and soul because He loves you.[5]  Allow Him to uplift your spirit, replacing fear, depression, and disillusionment with joy, light, and peace. 

Go to the fortress, which no evil force can penetrate, and rest within its comforting walls.[6]  Listen to the whisper of the Spirit, which you will hear above the din of battle,[7] and trust that with so great a defender upholding you and championing your cause, victory awaits, not surrender.  Follow the Lord as He leads you to the heights where you will dwell safely within His sanctuary, a place where joy and gladness abound and where songs of thanksgiving fill the air.[8] 

The peace of Christ rules in the heart
That bows in love, thanksgiving
Before the Lord of Graciousness
Who give us lives worth living

Who leads us into triumph
That we might in victory raise
From hearts made light and beautiful
Anthems of joy and praise

Who shows us that anxiety
Is a phantom and a liar
That trials and tribulations
Will prove to lift us higher

For He whose grace and love endures
Forever and forever
Works to fulfill His perfect will
In our dreams and each endeavor

And sorrow turns to laughter
As our souls learn to rejoice
For the Spirit works within us
Giving love for Christ a voice

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[1] 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

[2] Psalm 119:89

[3] Psalm 145:14

[4] 1 Peter 1:3

[5] 3 John 2

[6] 2 Corinthians 7:6

[7] 1 Kings 19:12-13

[8] Isaiah 51:3