The Cry of the Soul: Seeking God in Seasons of Distress
There are moments in life when we feel uneasy, as if everything is going wrong. These are the times when our soul is troubled, yet we still hold on to the hope that God will make a way. David experienced such a season, crying out in Psalm 42:5:
"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." (Psalm 42:5, NKJV)
David's psalm begins with a deep longing for God:
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God." (Psalm 42:1, NKJV)
When David sought the Lord, he became aware of the missing aspects of his life and his destiny. Have you ever been in God's presence and felt an emptiness, a void, as though something was lacking? It is in these moments that we must cry out to God to fill the gaps in our lives.
The Bible says in 3 John 1:2:
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 1:2, NKJV)
The prosperity of our soul determines the prosperity of our life. When we feel downcast or discouraged, it may be that God is pushing us to seek His strength. A revived soul leads to a revived life. The uneasiness and void we feel come from drawing closer to God, who reveals the areas in our lives that need healing.
Many times, we assume that the soul and the body are the same, but they are distinct. Just as our spirit is an entity, so is our soul—it is the very essence of who we are. In Genesis, God formed man from the dust, but it was His breath that made him a living soul (Genesis 2:7). This is why winning souls for the Kingdom is so crucial; the battle is for the soul.
To strengthen our souls, we must renew our minds. Romans 12:2 says:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2, NKJV)
David cried out in the presence of God because he knew that if God touched his soul, he would be restored. Sometimes, God allows discomfort in our lives to push us toward deeper things in Him. When we sense this discomfort, it is a sign that God is aligning us with His greater purpose.
Prayer Points:
Awaken My Soul, Lord – Father, awaken my soul to the call You have placed on my life. Every level You call me to requires an awakening; let me not miss it.
Lift Me Above Every Pressure – Lord, help me rise above every pressure and challenge that seeks to hinder my breakthrough. "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19, NKJV)
Let My Emotions Lead Me to You, Not Away – Father, any feelings of discomfort or pressure that are meant to elevate me, help me to recognize and use them to draw closer to You rather than lose hope.
Anoint and Separate Me for Your Purpose – Just as You lifted David from tending sheep to his divine calling, anoint me and set me apart for Your greater purpose. "You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil." (Psalm 92:10, NKJV)
Today, let us pray: Lord, strengthen my soul. Heal every broken place within me so that I may walk in the greater level You have called me to. Let my soul be revived, so that my life may prosper according to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.
