Consolations That Cheer the Soul

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

We all face the worries and cares of life but God always gives consolations to us to help cheer our soul. The word “heart” in Psalm 94:19 in the Hebrew is better translated “thoughts”. A great number of anxious, burdensome and perplexing thoughts often assail our minds but we need to train our minds to think on the good things (consolations) provided to all of us by God. In fact, we are supposed to cast down vain imaginations and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5). Often something reminds me of the carefree days of my boyhood or other good things/relationships that God has blessed me with in my life and that can cheer me even on a down day.

Reflecting on our Lord and God, in his character, in his holiness, justice and goodness, we have an unfailing source of consolation. Whatever trouble we might have from the cares of life, and from the evil imaginings in our own mind, we can find repose. In the multitude of our thoughts; so empty, so foolish, so sinful, so vexing, so skeptical, so polluting, there are thoughts given us of God, of Christ, of Heaven, of hope, of faith, of love. These give comfort and fill the soul with delight. Blessed is he who can find in his heart, amidst the multitude of thoughts within him, those which pertain to God.

Oh Lord, search me and know my heart, remove any wicked way in me, calm my anxieties and lead me in the way everlasting. For all things work out for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28).