A Disquieted Soul

Rick Howard

Text: Psalm 42:11

“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.” Introduction
This is the perfect expression to describe current conditions. Similar words like upset, disturbed, agitated etc. do not quite describe conditions without and within like the word "disquiet."

Introduction:
Without, there is general unrest; within, there is a lack of peace - (a quietness) in one's soul. We all struggle with the question, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?"

We know the desire of God and the desire of the child of God is that of an inner peace.

The apostle Peter addresses his counsel to women partly due to their being the more emotional in general, and who react with disquiet more quickly.

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. (3) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; (4) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." (1 Peter 3:1-4)

The apostle Paul, on the other hand, considered the fact that as humans in general, we are all prone to such disquietedness.

"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (10) And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; (11) And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (12) That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)

Jesus realized this tendency even among His disciples, and offered them counsel to combat it (John 14:1, 27).

(vs. 1) "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."
(vs. 27) "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Why Do We Have Disquieted Souls?
We are human. Most every great Bible character faced this dilemma. Here among our own church members, a single mom just got her pink slip. A young couple both received pink slips while expecting their first child. Another young couple just had a miscarriage. I could point out major issues among so many who are facing problems that produce a "disquieted" soul.

Yet, with all this, we realize that some of the most "disquieted souls" in the Bible were also able to find peace again;

David;

"A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. (2) Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. (3) Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever." (Psalms 131:1-3)

Jacob;
After wrestling with God all night (as we sometimes do in prayer), Jacob found peace through prayer.

Jesus;
Even Jesus, while in Gethsemane, after great agony, found reprieve and regained His composure in praying to His Father.

The Attitude of Society Around Us
This week, even today - with the health care debate and vote. This weekend - tea party protest, anti-war protest, Immigration reform protest - all in D.C. with large crowds for each, demanding their way. Disquieted groups sure make lots of noise, don't they?!

Luke's inspired gospel give us an accurate description of society, esp. leading up to the Tribulation and return of Christ.

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (26) Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:25, 26)

Sin itself produces unrest and disquietedness of soul. It breaks fellowship with God and with others, resulting in a lack of peace. With David, in Psalm 51, it was confession and repentance that brought peace to his heart. Lack of faith is another cause of a disquieted soul. Peter walked on the water with no problem as long as his eyes were fixed on Christ. He sunk in unbelief. Same waves, same wind - different focus. Faith helps us rise above the circumstance. Those who do not know God, say there is no God and that troubles us - partly due to wondering why if there is a God Who loves me, why is this happening?

(vs. 3) "My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? (10) As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?" (Psalm 42:3,10)

Is your soul disquieted?
It may be the Holy Spirit troubling you to repent - forgiveness of sins and restored relationship and fellowship is always sweet and brings peace of heart.

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (8) Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice." (Psalm 51:7,8)

Closing:
The great answer is always - "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard (keep) your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." (Philippians 4:7)

The two elements of our soul - "hearts" (emotions) and "minds" (thoughts) are both in the Hands of a loving Savior who can put the sentry of peace to guard and protect both.