Every teacher knows the value of repetition – of repeating something important so that her students will remember it well.

The same thing is true when God wants to teach us something important. He repeats it.God repeats post

One example occurs in the book of Psalms in the Bible. The Psalms are wonderful examples of poetry that teach valuable truths and are sometimes set to music.

In Psalms 42 and 43, a phrase is repeated several times:

“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues?
Fix your eyes on God. Soon you’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on your face. He is your God.”
Psalm 42:5, Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5

Why does God repeat this phrase three times within these two Psalms? Because it contains important information that he wants us to remember.

He knows we can sometimes feel discouraged, but he doesn’t want us to stay in that place. He doesn’t want us to live in self-pity or continue to feel blue all the time.

The solution is to keep our eyes fixed on God. Think about how wonderful he is and how much he loves you.

Thank him for all the good things in your life. Yes – even when you feel downhearted – many good things still happen in your life.

Do you have hot water in your shower? That’s a good thing. Many women throughout the world have never taken a hot shower.

Do you have food in your refrigerator? That’s an incredible blessing. And you probably don’t have to walk seven miles every morning to find fresh water for your family.

Do you have a soft bed to sleep in with pillows and clean sheets? Some women live in caves and sleep on the hard ground. They have no idea how it feels to climb into a soft, clean bed each night.

So as you focus on these good things and thank God for them, you will feel a smile starting to break out in your soul and travel to your face.

God loves you and takes care of you. Focus on him and when he repeats something – listen carefully.

©2015 GateWay of Hope – The Helping Place for Hurting Women