Twice in Psalm 42 David asked the question, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?” The ESV uses the expression “why are you in turmoil in me?” David faced many difficulties and life-threatening events in his life. Some were the direct or indirect results of his own actions. Some were through no fault of his own. There were times when he felt totally overwhelmed. This Psalm appears to have been written in one of those times. David had to reaffirm to himself, in his own mind, the fact that God was with him. Notice some of the Psalm’s statements: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me… A prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God” (Psalms 42:7-8, 11 NKJV).
The fact is that each of us, no matter how strong one’s faith is, occasionally has a heart that is in turmoil. Remember, this Psalm was written by the same man who once stood, because of his great faith, in the presence of a giant, and won the battle with a simple stone – aided by the almighty hand of God! Yet, he was down and was having to lift up his own heart from despair that he knew he shouldn’t feel. Without doubt we have all been there.
We don’t have to remain in despair. We will be in situations from time to time, some of our own doing and some not our fault, that will bring those feelings of despair. We must reach deep into our faith, and put our hope in God, knowing that He has not truly forsaken us, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
We must earnestly desire and seek the comfort of God. The Psalmist began this Psalm with a beautiful word picture. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1). At all times, but especially in the down moments when feelings of despair slowly creep in to choke out joy, we need to actively come into the presence of God for His aid and comfort.
Many times those around us push us away from seeking God (intentionally or unintentionally). Remember poor Job. Not only did he have to deal with so many problems, they were made worse by his three holier-than-thou friends and his wife who had lost all faith. In David’s case, he said, “My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:3).
We need to be like the thirsting deer who pants for water. If we will return our hearts to God, even in the midst of troubles, the parching thirst of despair can be quenched with the refreshing waters of life found in God. May your despair wither away, your pain subside and you empty heart be filled again – as a deer satisfied by the waters of a beautiful brook!
