Ps. 42:5 Ps. 42 and 43 were originally one psalm. It is a contemplative poem for instruction. The psalms are poems, prayers and songs expressing the full range of human emotions and experiences. We can relate to these emotions and experiences, so that we put our hope in God. Hope: confident expectation that waits based on Scripture
42:5 The psalmist was downcast and disquieted. The word for disquieted or troubled, is translated “makes a noise” in Jer. 4:19.
Why was he down and what can we learn from his example and live by God’s grace?
We can affirm (declare positively, willing to stand by the truth) our:
I. Faith
II. Focus
III. Fellowship
42:1, 2 The Hebrew for soul can refer to our emotions and desires, but it also means the life, the person, “being” Gen. 2:7. Our soul has a built-in desire for the living God. When we’re downcast, this desire may be more intense. Only Jesus can quench our spiritual thirst Jn. 4:13, 14.
Ps. 42:3 Have you ever heard the accuser when you’re down? “Where is this God of yours; why doesn’t he help you?” He heard outward taunts and felt inner turmoil.
42:4 Thank God, we can pour out our soul to him. He remembered joyful times of fellowship with God’s people in praising God, and he longed for it again.
42:5 The psalmist told himself, hope in God, “for I will yet praise Him for the help (yesua) salvation of His presence.” Praise focuses on God, his excellence, goodness and greatness, over our problems and circumstances.
42:6 When he was down and felt distant from God, he chose to remember and focus on God Lam. 3:20-24.
42:7, 8 He experienced what seemed like the noise of waterfalls, and waves and billows rolling over him, in contrast with flowing brooks 42:1. And yet, he confessed his hope in God, God’s word, and God’s love for him. We have the full revelation of God’s word and Jesus Rom. 5:8.
42:9-43:2 He felt forsaken, but he knew God was his Rock and his strength. This portrays the believers’ battle between faith and feelings, hope and circumstances.
43:3, 4 God’s word is light and truth. Jesus is light and truth. Godly fellowship and worship with other believers encourages our hearts and strengthens our faith. God can be our Rock, our strength, and our exceeding joy.
43:5 Again, he affirmed his hope in God, the help of his [sad] countenance.
Rom. 15:4, 13 Do you believe God’s word? Let’s live out this truth by God’s grace.