Psalm 42:11

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

King David boldly declared, “I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11, KJV). He repeats the exact same statement in Psalm 43:5.

Your face is a billboard that advertises what is going on in your heart. All the joy or turmoil that’s inside you is reflected on your countenance — your facial expression, your body language, your tone of voice. For example, when one’s mind is loaded down with the cares of life, the shoulders may slouch, the brows may furrow, the face may look drawn.

Many of us need to be careful of our facial expression because we could be sending the wrong message to the world. Your face is the index of your soul and reflects what is going on inside your heart.

Indeed, the very presence of Christ in your heart has a direct impact on your face! It also affects your walk and your talk. Worry can also harden a person’s face, just as much as gross sin can. We all know that as Christians we aren’t to worry — our Lord is fully aware of all our needs and problems — and yet somehow we do get stressed at times.

What does your face say to a lost, confused generation? When Stephen stood before hostile, angry men in the Sanhedrin, “his face [shone] as the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). In the midst of these unbelievers Stephen stood with the shine of Jesus on him and the difference was clear to all. In contrast, these men in the synagogue council were so angry at Stephen that “they gnashed at him with their teeth” (7:54). “A wicked man hardens his face” (Proverbs 21:29). Sin and anger are reflected on one’s countenance just as distinctly as joy and peace.

As God’s child, you know that the Lord cares for you and loves your unconditionally (1 Peter 5:7). His heart is moved toward you at all times and you can walk in glorious freedom. That should lift your countenance!