Talking to Yourself, Not Listening to Yourself - Psalm 42 Meditation by Tim Keller

Today we continue this special series of meditations by Tim Keller - "Trusting God in Difficult Times." This series is meant to encourage you to trust God more deeply and to meditate on his word and what it promises, to give you strength and hope in difficult times. After the meditation, Tim will be joined by Kathy Keller for a short Q&A.
These meditations are brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed this meditation and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting gospelinlife.c... and making a one-time or recurring donation.

[@gospelinlife]

Today we continue our new special series of meditations by Tim Keller - "Trusting God in Difficult Times." If you've found these helpful, please consider supporting this global Gospel movement: gospelinlife.com/youtube

[@aerioh1]

Much needed. I lost both my mom and dad during this covid-19 season three days apart from each other. They were both at a nursing home. My dad was so clear minded but passed away suddenly and my mom followed him three days later. They both went while sleeping. I believe that the Lord is in charge and they are with the Lord and yet I am grieving and mourning day and night. I shall yet praise Him since he is my God. I will hope in God and speak to my soul. Bless the Lord, oh my soul~~

[@miriamtuazon8532]

aerioh1 I am so very sorry for your devastating losses. 🙏

[@miriamtuazon8532]

aerioh1 I hope that there are people around you that can reach out to you through listening and helping care for your heart.

[@aerioh1]

Miriam Tuazon Yes, I have my husband and my daughter at home. I also have my church family. Thank you 🙏

[@catherine9808]

Devastating loss I am so sorry, rest assured they are in the arms of Jesus who will make all things new and through him you will see your parents again 🙏🏽 I pray you are covered in the blood of Christ

[@msgabicastilhos]

I am sorry for your loss. May God comfort you

[@annemarienelson458]

As always, Dr Keller, whilst going through his own health battle, (at the time, we miss him!) so lovingly reaches out to others, so appreciative of this message….we all need it at certain times of our lives..

[@pamwehking2457]

I needed to hear this... I just passed one year since our son’s suicide...I have been unable to pull myself out of my sorrow, and I will listen to this everyday if necessary until I truly feel God’s comfort so that I may live again in a praise worthy life, with the same joy and hope I had before my son left this world...

[@bethi5978]

I'm so sorry. Glad you're finding some help here.

[@dbud550]

Pam, my son took his life 6 months ago and the pain has been excruciating. I just finished reading Tim Keller's book Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. It has brought comfort and answers to my downcast self. Prayers and love to you. This is such a difficult path.

[@steverouse9830]

Pam, I’m so sorry for your loss! I just bought Tim Keller’s little book on Death - it really helped me see this from a Christian perspective - especially the part called ‘Do not grieve like those without hope’ - you may find it helpful! 🙏

[@c.philipmckenzie]

I am so very sorry, Pam. This is the most heartbreaking news any parent can receive. If I may offer a word of loving advice, while recognizing I know nothing about you or your broader circumstances: nothing will be the same as before your precious son left this world. Accepting this and releasing it to God may help the healing process in the midst of the ever present pain. In Christ’s love.

[@ATLott-nc1et]

I lost both my great aunt and my grandpa to suicide. I recommend the book Suffering by Paul David Tripp. Also, I highly recommend lots of counseling and prayer. (I use Faithful Counseling) I'm so sorry for your loss. My brother lost a child too, His son died at 3 months old many years ago and I still greave him til this day. I hope God blesses you and never forget He won't abandon you in the tough times. Praying for you.

[@danjbundrick]

Remarkable that this came out one month before he announced his PC diagnosis

[@curiousgeorge555]

Keller and Lloyd Jones are two of my faves. Great Bible expositors.

[@FromTheHood2TheWoods]

Awesome. Will be listening to this with my 15 year old son tomorrow. We are gonna make it

[@daviddemar8749]

Amen amen amen. Put God first. Ask,Seek,Knock......Pray unceasingly. In bad times , bad circumstances many people flee from Him. Do a 180 degree turn.Run TO Him🙏❤

[@guerro2147]

Thank God for this message. Needed this,, like me I struggle with self image. I struggle with self criticism when I screw up on something and never forgive myself that. I know I can't be perfect but I need to learn that mistakes are a part of life and that in order to move forward I can't beat myself down but instead trust that God is doing this for a reason. And this pandemic has made this much more relevant to me that I can't do everything I can't answer all the questions and I can't control everything in my life, but I know the person who can and that's God and I got to remember that daily.

[@jesuschristbiblebiblestudy]

Dear Jesus Christ, I desire that your heart and attitude might be my own that you would increase even as I decrease. Give me an ever-larger picture of you so I might see myself with ever-increasing clarity and revel each day in your amazing grace. Keep foolish pride far from me, and give me the sense to humble myself in healthy ways that bring strength and joy to everyone around me. Remind me constantly. Lord, that you hold my life and breath and eternal future in your loving hands and that every good thing I have comes from you. Never let me forget that although without you I can do nothing, in Christ I can do all things. The difference is you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

[@dfcloete]

Thank you for this specific encouragement and this entire series. I love how modern science is constantly rediscovering ancient wisdom learned from God. No matter how far we think we've come, He is always waaaaaaaaaay ahead of us.

[@Eyesayah]

Thank you both. No doubt you have reached many. 'God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind'.

[@escajedac2740]

I trust God everyday always Pray in Jesus name amen

[@sandrahinthorn2917]

Thank you for staying with us, Tim and Kathy! Appreciate your ministry in keeping us together in Christ.

[@christinebraun4426]

Praying for you, you are my teacher, we need you and Cathy. God bless you both and carry you through, missing you so very much!

[@elite_galaxy7961]

Very encouraging! God bless!

[@bath-seba8521]

Very helpful message. Thank you and thank God for his healing spirit

[@praywithangela]

I love Psalm 42 because of verse 5 (Hope in God, for I shall again praise him) and verse 8 (By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.) 2 years ago, a family friend who was in her early twenties passed away suddenly and tragically, and I went through several days of turmoil and the inability to pray or praise God. One night, in my dream, I found myself singing praises to Him, and I experienced the God who is worthy of all praise no matter the circumstances. Our God is so good and so faithful. May we all place our hope in Him, lift up our hearts, and worship Him. 💕

[@robertjasso6673]

What simple wisdom from the psalms

[@ashafenn4798]

Very very encouraging. Listening from Kerala India

[@dr.b7754]

My wife and I sat down to listen to Dr.Keller bring the Word before I head in to work. We are both greatly encouraged to turn our thoughts to praise by reminding our hearts of who the LORD is. Praise God.

[@kathiefloyd4760]

This concept of speaking the Truth to ourselves when we are “spinning” in fear or anxiety is so important. I’ve never heard it articulated better. Thank you.

[@djclaassen]

Thanks, Tim! I've enjoyed many of your books and video messages and now these short messages of encouragement. I'm a retired pastor, now serving the Lord by coming alongside our daughter and our son in their lives and ministries. My wife and I are 69 years old and living part-time in Mexico with our missionary daughter and her family. We were planning on going back to our other home in Florida, where we'ere near our son and his family, who have helped plant a church there, but just changed the return flight, pushing it back three weeks. All this to say these are certainly uncertain times but that we have a God for certain! And, we have your encouraging messages! God bless you, your wife, and family!

[@caroline4801]

David Claassen it must be so gratifying to watch your reared children following the paths of the Lord! I feel so hopeful while reading your comment! May Christ bless you all!

[@sarahmcintyre6361]

Very helpful. Listening from the UK. Universal truths for all of us.

[@pollyannacabral3786]

And Right Now I'm in tears because this ideia, this truth of this psalm, this messager was God talk in the deep of my soul, in my deep inside necessaty from today, from my darkness, my hardest time. Our Gos it's Incredible. Thank's, I pray for That Him continues use you guys at this way. kisses from Brasil

[@pn558]

This is the catalyst that potentiates the cognitive behaviour theory by perching it on the rock of all ages! Thank you!

[@pollyannacabral3786]

Thank's for this messanger. The most incrible to me, it's think that it's our ownGod Who in fact resignifies the thoughts in our mind and heart. Actually He do so much more than this concept than this word exprimes He give to us one new reality one new tipe of life throught His own Words to us.

[@alunderwood5903]

Great truth!

[@lovepower4899]

So timely ! God is so good . Thank you Jesus. I was just slipping into the negative thinking self talk but then found myself praising god for all he’s done and for all he will do for me ❤️🙏

[@rebanelson607]

I've listened to this twice already and I plan to listen again. Thanks for the excellent teaching and insight.

[@rockygurung1107]

I was scared to talk to myself because I thought it is not biblical. Now, I am clear that I can confidently talk to myself. Really touched

[@watchworld2]

Siapanya Rocky Gerung

[@yhalee345]

Thanks pastor Tim, yes, I think what you are counselling us to do is right. I have experienced this truth,

[@hanykheir7643]

Thanks for the good idea of talking to yourself

[@michellegough179]

Dear Tim and Kathy, thank you for these talks, they have all been helpful. In my 50’s I have seen a world with less science messages trying to tell me this is how it is and steal hope. I am amazed and grateful that God loves us and He knows how it is. He says He really is true and very good to be true not too good to be true. Jesus reigns.

[@c.philipmckenzie]

Thank you for this uplifting message and commentary Dr. Keller. I just heard about your diagnosis and prayer request on Sunday; it is a journey I am also taking, although my particular brand is renal cell carcinoma. Unfortunately, it has metastasized into my bone and my care is palliative. I reciprocate your prayer request and ask that you remember my precious wife and young children. The Lord knows and in Him will I trust.

[@Jamalhatesu]

How are you doing, Carl?

[@Jamalhatesu]

I'm praying for you! Much love.

[@LightDragon777]

I read Martyn Lloyd-Jones' "Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cures" at the end of last year and would definitely recommend it to anyone who struggles with melancholy in the Christian life.

[@zmd_music]

Thanks for this 👍

[@M-Con]

You wouldn't catch me ever before 2015 watching something like this, I can say now your inner being will help you out, talk to yourself and listen to what they have to say.

[@shankerr484]

Tim, I've been a believer since 1979. I've seen many ups & downs in my journey as a C'an. But the worst of the worst happened bout 2 weeks ago, when my 20 yr old nephew committed suicide. He was struggling wt depression for a long time. He was in pain, finally he gave up. I have a Masters in Biblical studies, but there are days where I wonder, what is all this about? What was the Lord thinking in the planning room of eternity before it all began? Sometimes I feel reminiscent on the scene from Patch Adams where the character asks God, that maybe He should have done a little bit more brainstorming on the problem of pain before deciding to create us ... Don't get me wrong; I love the Lord, and I seek to honor Him as much as I can despite my weaknesses. But i also leave you with a quote from CS Lewis - “What do people mean when they say, 'I am not afraid of God because I know He is good'? Have they never even been to a dentist?”

[@melaniechu2120]

Thank you. Living with C-PTSD, I often find myself having to fight a slipping into a spiritual depression. Thanks for the reminder of the Spirit coming alongside to witness to my spirit I am a child of God and will come through this victorious

[@yangjedidiah7285]

It has been a blessing Pastor, it has been really difficult living. Praying earnestly for you Pastor.

[@wildblue7832]

Thank you, Pastor Keller. Your two talks, "The Wounded Spirit " and "Finding God" have been very helpful in guiding me back to God. Hello! Kathy. Nice to meet you. I appreciate seeing you both during this sad, stressful and frightening pandemic. These videos are encouraging.

[@cjcoffman8682]

Thank you for making this series available. I’ve very much enjoyed them.

[@rebeccajernigan5759]

Yes, thank you

[@quotesoutloud]

Psalm 42 is music to my ears But in my heart I cry tears I know that I am lost and every day I walk in a different direction I need to stop all noise and sit in reflection Failure is nothing to fear Because God will catch me if he hear

[@mindyvaughn8217]

I really needed to hear this. I listen to my anxious heart and need to be speaking to it. I know that God led you to talk about this because I desperately needed to hear it. Thank you. I’m very grateful to God and to you.💖✝️

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

In a time of great depression I worked through Mind Over Mood 4 times. CBT. My therapist was a Christian and so I was taught to re-direct my thoughts with more truthful and balanced thoughts. And for me that included God, Jesus and the HS in edirected thoughts. So I experienced that CBT and self talk that includes Christ can definitely work together. Blended together its work well. This was uplifting for me today.

[@r.1021]

Thank you! I am blessed to listen to Gospel.

[@resilientrecoveryministries]

Interesting. Not many know that stoicism is the foundation of REBT and CBT. Tim does a good job of proposing a richer, Christian alternative.

[@enjoyyourlifegift3652]

I can feel the difference between the two self-talkings that both of you just shared, but i couldn't explain that to others!The last sentence is a real delight!Thanks for sharing this!

[@dianacueto1992]

Really helpful! God bless you!!

[@laurabaylessjohnson6749]

This was a great encouragement to me today! I woke up feeling sad, and the verse of the day Psalm 42:11... it was as if the Lord hand-picked it for me! Exactly what I needed to hear. And then I found this gem. (Coincidentally, I have been reading a daily devotional from Tim and Kathy Keller on the Psalms!) This is really helpful: to see that my unhappiness is not my circumstances but what I am telling myself. When it comes to SELF-dialogue, I need to talk more and listen less! Ha! So, today, I say, "Self, I shall yet PRAISE HIM! He is my God! HOPE in Him!"

[@thivicente]

Wow! Thanks for sharing it!!! God bless you all guys involved in this... Blessings!

[@evawilliams8587]

Thank you so much for these very timely meditations. My husband and I have learned so much from your teaching. Your balanced approach has really opened up the Word with such clarity for me. Thank you again!

[@MsMOZART13]

0'23 straight to biz. Thank you.

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

This is SPOT ON … have taken CBT (Mind over Mood course) x 4 and its about truthful and balanced thoughts. Self talk is powerful. I learned to include scripture into my self talk as suggested here. This was so valuable.

[@Bonnie1a]

You are a good teacher. Our Reverent showed us your video on prodigal God. I always wondered about that, and now I understand. Thank you

[@typicalKAMBlover21]

So encouraging. Thanks!

[@blessflorencio7988]

Thank you for this 🙂

[@4inmontreal]

Thank you for these words of great encouragement. Listening from Montreal, Canada.

[@thor3022]

Just found out about you from the California preaching channel. I send my blessings towards you and your family kind sir. 🕊️🌾🦋...

[@godswordisastory8448]

Helpful as usual. Thanks.

[@rtdude1]

Thank you so much for these!

[@Paulsays57]

Thank you!

[@issacaddala]

Thank you so much for your inspiration. I love to reorder my hopes.

[@alexnanlohy74]

AMEN 🙏🏻

[@Fren33]

Does God, the LIVING God, Jesus, ever become experientually more than just the process of our minds and hearts reading and praying his word? This has been such a struggle for me because from how I understand Gods word, he expresses HIMSELF in a very intimate and real world experientual relationship that he wants to have wth us. God, Jesus and the Spirit have to be more than just ones ability to work things out in their minds because then it seems that God simply becomes a placebo who's power is solely determined by the ability for a person to convince themselves of the truth of Gods character, love for us and intention for us. This is such a cause and source of distress in my whole being.

[@wakeuptheresnospoon]

Anyone interested in this I / self distinction, read the very short text (less than a page) Jorge Luis Borges wrote called “Borges and I.”

[@pn558]

B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T!

[@tessaweisenborn2934]

Can you please share the title and/or bibliographic info for the sermon referenced?

[@yamicanada]

💞

[@daughterofGod1995]

💞💞💞💞

[@itsjkforreal]

Title is a bit misleading. U listen to yourself as you pour your heart out. Thing is I'm not so alone listening to me when I invite God to hear. +Vital note at 715, Rom 8 spirit bearing witness

[@tonywilliams49]

Did the abrahamic God hear the prayers of the African slaves?

[@believein1]

Some people just need better self Osteen. 😂

[@davidcalderhead2221]

I WANT EVERYONEVTO REA D THIS BEFORE THE WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP AND AFTER YOU SEE THAT HYPOCRITICAL NONSENSE FROM THE LOST CHILDREN OF THE MORMON CHURCH. THAT HARMLESS SEEMING COMMERCUAL IS A LIE OF THE DEVIL. THE JESUS THEY PREACH IS NOT THE JESUS US AS CHRISTIANS KNOW AND PREACH AND WHO LOVES YOU SO MUCH HE DIED ON THE CROSS IN YOUR PLACE!!!

[@cheeweefoo4590]

honestly, god is always missing..i never believe much in this religion stuff..but i prefer meditation in buddha teaching..for christianity, i stay away...