Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. — Psalm 42:11 In our lives we can often face times of discouragement. Our spirits can feel heavy and our hearts burdened. When that happens, however, we can turn to God and lean on him, finding hope in his promises and unfailing love. Discouragement can come from various sources—disappointments, failures, prolonged challenges. Yet even in the midst of such trials we can choose to put our hope in God. He is our refuge and strength, the one who sustains us through every season. When discouragement threatens to overwhelm us, we can find solace in God’s Word. His mighty acts and daily provisions remind us of his faithfulness, and his promises give us hope for the future. God is always present to help in times of trouble, and his love and grace are sufficient for us (Psalm 46:1-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9). As we anchor our hope in God, our perspective shifts. We begin to see beyond our present circumstances, and we focus on the unchanging nature of our heavenly Father. He is the source of true joy and peace, and in him we find strength to persevere. Today, if you find yourself discouraged, turn to God in prayer. Pour out your heart before him and listen for his comforting voice. Trust in his perfect timing and purposes, knowing that he is working all things together for your good. O God, when we are discouraged, may we turn to find hope, peace, and strength in you. Fill our hearts with praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.