Psalm 42:1–43:5

Bible Studies for Life
Director of the Extension Division, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Discover Fresh Hope
Psalm 42:1–43:5
Ever feel overwhelmed, over-stressed, overextended? Is our current economic crisis causing you extra worry? Do you find yourself greatly concerned about political unrest throughout the world? How about family troubles, health problems or just simply loneliness? Maybe you are not but someone you know is experiencing some or all of these emotions. And some folks wonder, “Is there any hope anywhere? Can I ever be happy again?” The psalmist asked these same questions and reminds us of the answers.

Understand Your Soul’s Deep Desire (42:1–5)
In this passage, the psalmist was in anguish and crying out to God. And there were those around him who simply scoffed, “Where is your God when you really need Him!” In the midst of his distress, the psalmist did the only thing he could think to do: He thought back to a time and an experience when he felt closest to God and sought to draw strength from those days. 

Depend on God’s Faithful Love (42:6–11)
Look how desperate the writer really feels — He wondered if God might have actually forgotten him. And yet he never wavered in his belief that God was in “control” and would support him. Even in this very dark moment, the psalmist still placed his hope in God.

Follow God’s Light and Truth (43:1–5)
And once more, during a period of pain and uncertainty, the psalmist cried out to God for deliverance and direction.
He wanted to be in God’s presence, to praise Him, to feel close to Him again. He might not understand what’s going on in his life. He might be completely frustrated with what he sees as an unjust world. He might be ready to give up on trying to live as a righteous man in an unrighteous world. But he was certain that as long as he could dwell in God’s presence, he could survive. The psalmist points to our deepest need: to be with and loved by God.
God created us to be in relationship with Him, and when we feel separated, we are constantly trying to find our way back. During this journey, however, we often search for deliverance in many of the wrong sorts of places. But this Scripture reminds us if we are not running to the Creator, then we’ll remain just like the thirsty deer — still wanting what we really need. God simply wants us to call on and surrender to Him. 

And like the psalmist, don’t we sometimes feel forgotten, ignored, mistreated, tortured, taunted and abandoned?
Does it sound as if the psalmist is complaining to God? Ever wondered if it is even right to question the Lord? In this portion of God’s Word, He wants us to understand He is the place to turn when wrestling with these hard issues. It’s exactly during these times that God wants us to turn to Him and not from Him.

Even in the most difficult days, He promises to be our shield and refuge (Ps. 3:3). Even when we don’t get the answers we seek, He still listens, answers and cares (2 Chron. 7:14; Jer. 33:3). And even when things don’t seem to be getting any better, the psalmist reminds us that we can still find protection in Him.

Jesus Christ is the reason we are able to trust in peace and comfort the God of all creation. Without Jesus’ death, we aren’t clean enough to come before God. Without Jesus’ death, our voices can’t be heard by God. Without Jesus’ death, we are absolutely destined to live in constant painful torture with no hope for any relief whatsoever.
But Christ is the “living water” (John 4:10) who satisfies our “panting soul’s” need to be made right with God. And while He confirmed we would have trouble in this world, He also gives us reason for hope because He overcame the world (John 16:33).

So do you feel overwhelmed, over-stressed, overextended? Worried about the economy, political unrest, family troubles, health problems? Maybe you just feel rejected or lonely? Don’t be afraid to take these concerns and feelings to God. He’s your Stronghold, Refuge and Savior. And what’s more, He knows exactly how you feel because He’s felt it all Himself.