This psalm is probably one psalm rather than two. There are profound words in these verses and real despair. God seems to be distant. If someone had said “How are you?” then this is what the comeback would have been rather than the polite “I’m fine!” When we face times of despair it is good to remember:-

1 – The reality of depression

We can all suffer from depression. This person is in a spiritual depression that has an effect on his physical well-being. He is not bottling up his feelings.

2 – Treasure the questions

He had more questions than answers. God can live with our questions. It is not wrong. It is interesting that Jesus’ last words were a question “Why have you forsaken me?” Questions lead us to discovery. Questions are the beginning of knowledge.

3 – The reality of feelings

When you are down then your feelings can express this.

• Dry (42:1-5) – There seems to be nothing to quench his thirst. There is a thirst for God. Are you thirsty for God? Do you grave God? Sometimes the hard times are for our good.
• Drowning (42:v6-11) – He is fighting for breath but feels like he is going under. He is fighting for survival.
• Disheartened (Chapter 43) – This is a feeling that he has been misjudged and oppressed. He thinks that God has abandoned him.

4 – The importance of memory

We are to remember better times. There is great value in a memory that remembers better experiences. It gives hope.

5 – The necessity of hope (vs. 5)

We need to keep hope, but it needs to be in God.

6 – The knowledge of God (vs. 5)

We may not feel like it but we can still praise God. When we lose our knowledge of God then we are really in trouble! God is our Mighty One, Saviour, Rock and Stronghold in times of trouble. We need to bewail the darkness and hold on to a vision of light.

Categories: Psalms