When Deep Calls To Deep

Summary

Psalm 42:1-11 reveals the deep longing of the human soul for the living God, likening it to a deer that pants for water. In times of intense emotional turmoil, depression, or a sense of distance from God, believers are called to confront their "deep" seasons with the assurance of God's steadfast love. This message emphasizes that spiritual discouragement is not a sign of weak faith, but rather an opportunity to engage in spiritual warfare by preaching hope to ourselves. Spiritual discouragement is not a sign of a lack of faith, but an invitation to engage in a higher level of spiritual warfare: preaching to yourself. Instead of listening to the internal voice of despair, the believer is encouraged to take authority over their soul, asking, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" and then commanding that soul to "Hope in God." The message emphasizes that even when God’s "waves and breakers" feel like they are going over you, His steadfast love is still commanding the day, and His song is still with you at night. Keys to Navigating Spiritual Depths The Necessity of Spiritual Thirst: A healthy soul is one that pants for God. The speaker distinguishes between being a "nominal" Christian and one who truly "thirsts" for the presence of the living God. Preaching to Your Soul: You must talk to yourself more than you listen to yourself. When your soul is in turmoil, you must remind it of God’s past faithfulness and the future certainty of His deliverance. Remembering the Gospel: In moments of darkness, the meditation that sustains the believer is the gospel—remembering that the Father elected you and the Son redeemed you. The "Yet" of Faith: The psalmist says, "I shall again praise Him." This "yet" is a prophetic stance that declares that current mourning is temporary and praise is inevitable. The Community of the Saints: Deep seasons should drive a believer toward the gathering of the saints rather than into isolation. Corporate worship and shared testimonies serve as a "possession" of glad shouts that help lead the soul back to God. Psalm 42:1-11, Ephesians 1

This week

• Mark doneAudit Your Internal Dialogue: This week, pay attention to what you are saying to yourself. When you feel "cast down," stop listening to your feelings and start preaching the truths of the Gospel to your soul.
• Mark donePractice "Gospel Meditation": Open Ephesians 1 and read it aloud to yourself. Remind your soul specifically that you are chosen, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit
• Mark doneEngage in "Deep" Prayer: If you are in a season of "waterfalls and breakers," do not hide from God. Like the psalmist, be honest about your pain while simultaneously declaring, "Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him