Sharon, my wife, did it just the other day (and believe me, she’s not the only one… I’ve done it too) … So I said to her, “What did you say Dear?” … Her response? “Oh I was just talking to myself – don’t mind me!”
You’ve done it too! And sometimes what you say really matters!
There are two Psalms (many scholars believe they were originally one) where it happens – Psalm 42 and 43. I read them during my Bible reading during my time of “coffee with the Lord.”
We aren’t sure what “the sons of Korah” (the attributed authors) were going through… several clues pop up through the Psalms… Here’s a few of them…
- A longing – thirst for the Lord, the “Living God”
- Remembrance of times when God’s presence seemed incredibly real as they were going to the house of God – the temple.
- Struggles and taunts from the reproach of enemies: “Where is your God?!”
- The desire and need for God’s vindication and deliverance.
- An inner longing for God’s help and leadership during the oppression of enemies.
So you ask, “What did the writers of this Psalm say to themselves?” Here it is… and believe me, it’s a healthy form of “self-talk” (three times it is repeated in these two Psalms)…
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42: 5, 11; 43:5 NIV)
My recommendation? When you’re going through a trial or experiencing discouragement – or the Lord seems distant or silent… look in the mirror, talk to yourself, and with faith and conviction affirm it to yourself! Believe me, you’re not the only one who needs to do this a time or two – or three!
Coffee With The Lord 