Why?

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 Why?

Scripture: Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

 Devotion:

             The words above are the refrain to this psalm and Psalm 43. That is only part of the evidence that these two psalms were originally one psalm. This refrain occurs twice in Psalm 42 in verses 5 and 11 and at the end of Psalm 43 in verse 5. What is the psalmist trying to convey in these two psalms?

   

            The writer tries to convey his and our constant need for God. In Verses 1-4 of Psalm 42, we hear of the psalmist's need and desire to seek and find God. Finding God is for the writer is just as necessary as finding water is for the deer and other animals of the forest. The fact that, for whatever reason, the psalmist is incapable at the moment of connecting with God as he desires leads us to verse 5, which explains that his soul is downcast and disturbed.

             Yet even in his depressed state, he can summon the strength to affirm his faith in God and praise Him for who He is. This is a strong word for our world today. Even though things may be far from perfect in our society and lives, we can still praise God because He is our ultimate means of salvation. As one who has experienced clinical depression, I can attest to the fact that the only thing that kept me holding on to life was my hope and faith that regardless of my inward state, God cared for me and wanted what was best for me.

             These psalms suggest that the world will try to keep us down, depressed, and disturbed. Contrast that with God, who seeks to build us up as the prophet declares, “Know the plans I have for you for your good and not for evil.” (Jerimiah 29:11). God’s good intentions for His people are revealed in all their fullness in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Never again could there be any doubt that God was a good God and He desires only what is good for us.

             Just as the words of these two psalms encourage us even today, so the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus serve as a witness to the lengths our Heavenly Father was willing to travel to save us from the devil’s snares. Our souls may become downcast and disturbed, but as these two psalms remind us, we should always praise God even when things look bleak from a purely human point of view. Let us seek God’s face as we pray for God’s help in our time of need.

 Prayer:

             Lord, we come to you because we love you. We love you because you first loved us and sent Jesus to save us. You are indeed our creator, redeemer, and sustainer in good times and in bad. When we find ourselves in a downcast, disturbed, or depressed state, let us remember that You have plans only for our good and are willing to go to any lengths to show that love for us in real and tangible ways. Hear our prayer to you this day and answer us out of your great love and mercy. Amen.

 

 

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