Wednesday
Wednesday
Psalms 42 and 43—Spiritual Depression
Why are you downcast, O my soul? … Put your hope in God.
Psalm 42:5
Depression seems to be a fairly common condition among Christian people. I am referring not to clinical depression, which may need expert psychotherapy, but to spiritual depression, which we should be able to handle ourselves.
The author of Psalms 42 and 43 (for they evidently belong together as one psalm) is clear about the causes of his depression. To begin with, he is thirsty for God (as thirsty as a deer for water), because he is estranged from him, enduring some kind of forced exile. He remembers the great festivals of the past when he used to “go and meet with God” (42:2), and he longs to be allowed to return “to the altar of God,” to God his joy and delight (43:4).
His depression is due, however, not only to the absence of God but also to the presence of enemies. They keep taunting him, asking, “Where is your God?” (42:3, 10). It is partly that they are idolaters, serving gods they could see and touch, whereas “the living God” (42:2) is invisible and intangible, and partly that God appears unable to vindicate his people.
Each stanza concludes with the same refrain (42:5, 11; 43:5). In it the psalmist speaks to himself. Talking to oneself is popularly said to be the first sign of madness. But on the contrary, it is a sure sign of maturity—though depending on what we are talking to ourselves about! Here the psalmist refuses to acquiesce in his condition or give in to his moods. He takes himself in hand. Firstly, he questions himself: “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” His question includes an implied rebuke. Secondly, he exhorts himself: “Put your hope in God.” For God is worthy of our trust. Thirdly, he assures himself: “For I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” His double use of the personal possessive “my Savior and my God” is highly significant. He is reminding himself of his covenant relationship with God, which no fluctuating moods can ever destroy.
For further reading: Psalm 42:1–11