Summer in the Psalms – Week Six

Have you ever gotten off track but are not sure exactly what went wrong? There are times when we are not ourselves, we get weary, or we lose our way. We may recognize that things are not right, but we can’t pinpoint the source of the problem and we have no idea what how to fix it.

I have been here many times and that is why I relate so well to today’s psalm – Psalm 42. The psalmist is processing through very deep things, doing gut level work. His words provide a guide for us to explore the inner workings of our mind, our heart, and even our soul. We are presented with a question that many of us are not willing to ask, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become so disturbed within me? (Psalm 42:5 NASB)

When we get off track, we can choose to brush it aside or we can choose to look deep, ask questions, and find the source of our problem. Choosing to ignore our problems will typically make things more complicating, creating greater distance between ourselves and both God and other people. On the other hand, when we choose to do the deep, soul level work, we will find hope and healing. Verse 5 continues, “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

Let’s walk through Psalm 42 together, looking at the psalmist model of engaging with God and finding restoration for our souls. As we do, I challenge you to pull out your Bible, slow down, follow along, look deep, and honestly talk with God.

Be honest about where you are (verses 1-3)
The psalm begins with an expression of two almost contradictory thoughts. First, the psalmist shares that he has a deep desire to see God. He paints the picture of a deer panting and longing for a drink of fresh spring water. Similar to that deer, he longs for God and His presence. Yet, in spite of this longing for God, the psalmist feels depleted. While he is longing for refreshing, he cannot find God. Instead of the cool springs of God’s presence, he is suffering, crying day and night.

Are you hungry and thirsty for God? If so, has that longing been fulfilled? Are you experiencing God’s presence or are you experience sorrow and distance from God?

Remember where you have come from (verses 4-5)
Even in his despair, the psalmist looks back and remembers better times. He thinks on the days when he would worship God with the great multitude and recalls the joy he experienced. This reflection helps him to hold on to hope. He has confidence he can experience God in the future based on his connection to God in the past.

What about you? How have you seen God work in your life? What good things have happened in your life as a result of God’s presence? How has your relationship with Him changed you? How does how you have seen God work in the past bring you assurance for today?

Talk to God about the turmoil you feel (verses 6-8)
In verse six, the psalmist moves from talking to his soul, to talking to God about his soul, “O my God, my soul is in despair within me.” Even in this season where it seems God has forsaken him, the psalmist talks to God and knows that God is with him. As he prays to God, look at how his perspective shifts, “The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:8) Even in the night, the psalmist remembers God is with him. Maybe he cannot feel God, but he knows God is there.

When you are struggling internally and not sure what God is doing, how do you respond? Are you willing to talk to God about your frustrations? Are you able to remember that God is good, that He hears you, and that He is always present?

Admit your frustration with God (verses 9-10)
As he pours out his heart to God, the psalmist goes one step further and admits his frustration with God. He asks God – why? Where have you been? Have you forgotten me?

I think we have a tendency to feel like if we question God we will put up barriers, but the reality is, the barrier is already there. Admitting we are frustrated with God only brings out in the open what has been hidden in our hearts. When we are able to put words to our pain we are finally moving toward healing.

Do you have questions for God? Do you wonder why He allowed certain things to happen? Do you feel like He has failed you? Don’t be afraid to talk to Him about it. It is only as you are honest that God can address your questions.

Know God will help you to hope again (verse 11)
As Psalm 42 wraps up, we don’t see all the psalmist’s problems go away, but what we do see is a restoration of his relationship with God. Look at the closing words as he again speaks to his soul, “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Not only can the psalmist hope again, he knows that God is helping him find that hope.

The same is true for you and me. When we are struggling, even at the deepest level, God is our Helper. As we look to Him, He will guide and direct as we find hope again.

Psalm 42 is an invitation and a reminder to look deep inside, honestly talking with God so that we can find refreshing, renewing, and re-centering for our souls.