Read Psalm 77:1-6
It doesn't have to be dark outside for us to be in the middle of the night. Sometimes the darkness is in us. Discouragement moves in, and we are like Asaph, who said, "My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; my soul refused to be comforted" (v. 2). Some translations read, "My sore was running in the night." What do you do when your soul refuses to be comforted?
Asaph tells us what we should do. First, talk to God. "I cried out to God with my voice--to God with my voice; and He gave ear to me" (v. 1). Someone has suggested that when you can't sleep at night, instead of counting sheep, talk to the Shepherd. That's what Asaph did. Sometimes approaching the Lord is painful. "I remembered God, and was troubled" (v. 3). What did he remember about God that troubled him? Perhaps he disobeyed a commandment or doubted a promise. Or perhaps he realized how holy God is and how sinful he is.
But talking to the Lord also brings reassurance. "I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times" (v. 5). In other words, God can be trusted. He has cared for you in the past, and He will care for you in the future.
Second, talk to yourself. "I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search" (v. 6). Talk to yourself about the Lord. Examine your life and your Christian walk. Your discouragement will be replaced by a song. "I call to remembrance my song in the night" (v. 6).
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When you feel discouraged, get your eyes off your circumstances and onto the Lord. Also, examine your life. Have you disobeyed the Lord? Talk to Him and let Him encourage you. Then talk to yourself and encourage yourself with the things of God. He will give you a song in the night.
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