Day 3 — When You’re Sad

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.”

— Psalm 42:5 (BSB)

Sometimes sadness comes for a clear reason. A friend moves away. A pet dies. You didn’t get picked. Your parents are fighting. But sometimes sadness shows up and you’re not even sure why. You just feel heavy, low or down.

The writer of Psalm 42 knew that feeling. He even talked to himself about it: “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” Downcast means feeling low, like your spirit is sagging. “Why the unease within me?”

Isn’t it interesting that the Bible includes a song about feeling sad? God doesn’t expect His children to be happy all the time. He knows sadness is part of life. And He’s not disappointed in you when you feel it.

But notice what the psalm writer did. He didn’t just stay stuck in his sadness. He spoke to his own heart: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.”

That little word yet is important. He was saying, I feel sad right now. But this isn’t the end. I will praise God again. He reminded himself of what was true, even when his feelings didn’t match yet.

Here are some things that can help when you’re sad:

• Tell God. You can pour out your sadness to Him, just like the psalm writer did.
• Tell someone. Talk to your mom, dad or another grown-up you trust. You don’t have to carry sadness alone.
• Remember what’s true. God loves you. He’s with you. Sad days don’t last forever.
• Do something kind for your body. Get some sleep, go outside, drink water and move around.
• Let yourself cry if you need to. Tears aren’t weakness.
• Remember a time God helped you before.

And here’s something really important: if you feel sad most of the time, for a long time, or if sadness makes it hard to do everyday things, please tell a parent or trusted adult. Sometimes sadness is more than a bad day, and there are people, like doctors and counselors, who can help. Getting help is brave.

Think about it: When you feel sad, what helps you most? Who could you talk to?

Try this: If you’re feeling sad, write down three true things about God. Read them out loud to yourself.

Dear God, sometimes I feel sad and downcast. Thank You that You understand and You’re not disappointed in me. Help me put my hope in You, and help me talk to someone when I’m sad. I will praise You again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.