“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?” Psalms 42:11a (NLT)
At the start of 2026 I came across a book “A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller. With firsthand knowledge and deep insights, Keller unpacks Psalm 23 in a profoundly deep way. It left me with no doubt about the meanings hidden within this well-known Psalm. In fact, it came alive to me in a fresh and vibrant way. I was deeply moved and challenged as I read.
Reassurance and Peace
After losing our precious pooch just before Christmas 2025 I was feeling weighed down by grief and lacking traction on the new year. Keller firstly reminded me that Jesus is aware of my situation and deeply involved in it: “It is the special office work of God’s gracious Spirit to convey this sense of the Christ to our fearful hearts. He comes quietly to reassure us that Christ Himself is aware of our dilemma and deeply involved in it with us.”
I was then reminded of the words further along in Psalms 42:11 “I will put my hope in God…” as Keller reminded me to put my focus back on Jesus, “When my eyes are on my Master that are not on those around me. This is the place of peace.”
Anxious No More
As I began to reflect upon those words, I had an idea to write a devotion titled “Anxious No More!”. Another verse that came to mind is Isaiah 30:15 where God urges us to return to Him and rest in Him, for within quiet and confident trust in Him is found our strength. I looked into that verse some more and found a commentary in Bible Hub that explains:
“In returning and rest . . .—The words describe a process of conversion, but the nature of that conversion is determined by the context. In this case it was the turning from the trust in man, with all its restless excitement, to a trust in God, full of calmness and of peace.” Ellicot’s
“…confidence in God stills and quiets the soul.” McLaren
“Shall be your strength – You shall be safe; your enemies shall not be able to overcome and subdue you.” Barnes’
My Prayer
As I gather my thoughts together, I collate a prayer:
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
Why have you become restless and disquieted within me?
Why am I so discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I say to my soul: “Don’t be discouraged.”
To my heart I cry out: “Don’t be disturbed.”
To my entire being I say: “I know my God will break through for me.
Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise Him all over again
Though the battle is intense, God will keep me safe and secure.
Yes, I WILL place my hope in God and wait expectantly for Him.
I will praise Him again— my Savior and my God!
For He has redeemed my life from the battle waged against me.
His perfect Peace is my portion.
Yes, He is my saving grace!”
Psalms 42:11 (AMP), (NLT) & (TPT) & Psalms 55:18 (AMP), (TPT) paraphrased
I hope that this has encouraged you. Do you have a favorite verse that has helped you with anxiety?
Many blessings
Keona