Firm Foundation Friday ~ Prayer and Praise

Welcome to another episode of Firm Foundation Friday. We are going to discuss prayer and praise.  Prayer and praise are key components in keeping a solid, firm foundation in Jesus.  Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 are similar.  They repeat the same scriptures which are examples of a prayer strategy.  Psalm 42 is a prayer that yearns for God in the midst of distress.  Psalm 43 is a prayer for God in times of trouble. 

"Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God;

For I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God."

(Psalm 42:5, 11)(Psalm 43:5)

Special note:  From these scriptures, you can clearly see that the psalmist is in very discouraging situations; people mock his relationship with God; God seems very far away.  The psalmist feels cast down weary, confused, and hopeless.  Still, he knows his only hope is to seek God in prayer. 

(The Spirit-Filled Study Bible)

How do you seek God in prayer? (The Spirit-Filled Study Bible)

• Refocus your thoughts on the promises of God
• Confront  the fears and contradictions deep within your soul
• Challenge yourself about every aspect of unbelief in your heart

"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)

Special note:  When depressed, desperate, and down, we are encouraged to hope in God in praise and worship.  In that, we are assured that God will help us with His countenance.  God's caring countenance turns toward the one who praises, and the praise's countenance is lifted by His present love.  (The Spirit-Filled Bible)

Praise brings strength.  Praise brings refuge.  Praise brings empowerment.  Praise brings freedom from bondage and anything that weighs on our hearts so heavily.  Praise brings God's help.  Praise keeps our feet planted on our firm foundation which is Christ Jesus.