Sometimes I feel particularly oppressed by the devil.

Other times I feel strong oppression from my own lusts, desires, and affections.

At times I even feel oppressed by certain people. Or by my imaginings regarding certain people.

So sometimes I feel discouraged or depressed.

“For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” (Psalm 43:2).

I want God to be my strength!

But how in the world do I make that happen?

I suspect it begins with something I seem to write frequently here: Awareness of Him.

Where does God fit in my life, in my conscious thought?

If it is only in these moments of beginning-of-the-day reflections, how can He be my strength through the day?

“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:2).

When? Well, I can go to God any time! (But I don’t, so no wonder my thirst isn’t quenched.)

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11).

Why? Because my focus is on me, my problems and fears and worries, or on other people. (Trusting in God changes my perspective as well as my outlook.)

“O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee” (Psalm 42:6).

That’s what I need to do when I am cast down!