Lifting up the Downcast

Life can bring us many challenges, uncertainties and sorrows. Sometimes, like the psalmist, we are downcast and disturbed, dejected and in turmoil, anxious and fearful, overwhelmed, even despairing. Perhaps God seems far away and we feel bereft and alone. Many believers through the centuries have felt like this at times. And they have left us a rich treasury of writings, which can help us in our own struggles. The author's prayer is that this short book will bring its readers peace, comfort and strength to carry on, through the Word of God and the words of His faithful people. Then, like the psalmist, we can once more put our hope in God and praise Him.

Life can bring us many challenges, uncertainties and sorrows. Sometimes, like the psalmist, we are downcast and disturbed, dejected and in turmoil, anxious and fearful, overwhelmed, even despairing. Perhaps God seems far away and we feel bereft and alone. Many believers through the centuries have felt like this at times. And they have left us a rich treasury of writings, which can help us in our own struggles. The author's prayer is that this short book will bring its readers peace, comfort and strength to carry on, through the Word of God and the words of His faithful people. Then, like the psalmist, we can once more put our hope in God and praise Him.

Patrick Sookhdeo PhD, DD is International Director of Barnabas Fund, Executive Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life, and Honorary Professor in the Department of Religion Studies at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.