“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!

I just got back from Mexico several days ago. I saw lots of poor people there.

Good for me.

I’m signed up to get information from Christian Aid Ministries about poor people in places like Romania, North Korea, and Nicaragua.

Good for me.

And of course I know there are poor people much closer to home.

Good for me.

What will I do with my awareness? (Just patting myself on the back for it seems insufficient!)

“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1).

Let me consider and be considerate of them. Let me care for the needy.