When we’re trying not to be beaten senseless by our own thoughts, I like the way the Psalms do it.
Roughly:
- Complain all you like but always praise some.
- Sometimes just praise.
This is great! And it’s in the Bible:
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me? (Psalm 13:1-2 NIVUK)
But then you have to praise.
It’s like when two of you have had a row, but one of you decides to say a slightly kind thing. Just that slightly kind thing can start to dismantle the situation. Before long you’re friends again. In the same way, a little willingness to praise starts to cap the gush of self-pity.
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me. (Psalm 13:5-6 NIVUK)