August 17: Why So Downcast, My Soul?

You prayed this morning and felt nothing. You looked at your amends list and felt worse. The whole day has a gray film over it. What do you do with a mood like this?

The writer of this psalm is talking to himself. Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you upset inside me? Then he gives himself an instruction. Hope in God. I will still praise Him.

There’s something wise here. He doesn’t just let the low mood talk. He talks back to it. He asks it questions. He reminds it of what’s true. Feelings are real, but they aren’t always right. They need to be answered.

Step Eight can bring heavy days. Looking at the people you’ve hurt, and the ones who’ve hurt you, is emotional work. On top of that, early sobriety often comes with low moods as your body and brain adjust. It’s not unusual to feel flat for a while.

If the low mood hangs on for weeks, or if you start to feel hopeless, please talk to a doctor. And if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 right away. That’s not a lack of faith. It’s wisdom.

For ordinary gray days, try what the psalmist did. Ask your soul why it’s downcast. Name what’s actually going on. Tired? Lonely? Sad about someone on the list? Then remind yourself of one thing that’s true. God hasn’t left. You’re sober today. Someone loves you.

Prayer may still feel empty. That’s okay. Keep praying. You can pray this very psalm. It was written for days like this. The psalmist says “I will still praise Him” before he feels like praising. It’s a decision, not a feeling.

And get outside if you can. Move your body. Talk to someone. Gray days get a little lighter in the company of others.

One thing today

Ask yourself out loud: “Why are you downcast?” Write down the honest answer. Then write one thing that’s still true about God today.

A prayer

God, my soul is low today and prayer feels flat. I’m going to put my hope in You anyway. I will still praise You. Lift the gray when You’re ready, and keep me close until then. Amen.

Start Here has simple ways to keep praying when it’s hard.

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