By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
GOD’S PRESENCE
Psalm 42:1–11
We have had such an encouraging quarter studying selected psalms. We have been convicted, challenged, comforted and renewed. Now we come to our final lesson of the summer, and what a study it is! At the outset, we all need to admit that we need this study as we face the daily challenges of life in a Genesis 3 world.
Psalm 42 is a maskil — a psalm of instruction. Written by the sons of Korah, it provides wise counsel about trusting God through tough times. Christians may get down, but we are never out because of the One who has saved us. Even in despair, we have One we can hope in who hears us and helps us.
In Times of Longing (1–5)
The psalmist had a consuming desire to experience God. He was thirsty for the living God to satisfy the longing of his heart.
Like a panting deer in desperate need for water, he cried out to God. The parched soul will never find its fill elsewhere. It is always longing for the Lord.
The psalmist poured out tears day and night. He longed for a deeper personal awareness of God as he suffered the loneliness of his alienation because of his absence from public worship at the temple in Jerusalem.
No specific historical information is supplied concerning the context for this psalm, but we can discern the psalmist was far from Jerusalem and was taunted by enemies of God.
They accused God of abandoning the psalmist. The psalmist was heartbroken as he remembered the times he had led the procession of the people of God to the house of God with joy and thanksgiving.
The psalmist examined himself by asking hard questions designed to challenge him and bring him to a place of introspection about his state of sorrow.
Although he felt isolated from God, the psalmist engaged his mind to override his emotions and feelings by hoping in God and praising Him for His faithfulness. Relief from depression is found in trusting the immutable character of God.
In Overwhelming Times (6–8)
In the midst of being overwhelmed by his deep depression, the psalmist was determined to remember who God is and what He had done in the past. He was apparently about 100 miles away from Jerusalem.
The psalmist referred to the rushing water and waterfalls near the headwaters of the Jordan River to describe his emotional and spiritual condition before God. Speaking metaphorically, the psalmist says he was barely able to keep his head above water as the waves of despair continually crashed against him. As he desperately struggled, he remembered God’s faithful love for him and prayed to his God.
In Seasons of Waiting (9–11)
The psalmist prayed to God, whom he described as “my Rock.” He knew that God is an unassailable fortress in Whom he could find protection from the crashing waves. He asked, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” He asked these questions because God was not coming to his aid immediately. It appeared that God was not listening and did not care.
Deep down the psalmist knew the answer to his questions, so he preached the truth to himself. To put your hope in God is to wait expectantly for Him, anticipating Him to act. The psalmist knew deliverance would come in God’s timing.
Share with others: