Psalm 42 – A Sure Cure for Depression
“Instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way…remind yourself of God, Who God is, and what God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do.” Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones
Psalm 42 is a song for instructions (a maskil) – wise counsel about trusting God through tough times.
Written by sons of Korah (1 Chronicles 6:22-48, 9:17-32, 2 Chronicles 20:19, Numbers 26:11) for the “director of music”.
All the songs (Psalms) attributed to sons of Korah are very spiritual.
1st Psalm of Book Two of the Book of Psalms
Jehovah is the dominant name for God in Book 1 (272x).
Elohim is the dominant name for God in Book 2 (16x).
The Psalmist is under extreme depressions/discouragement.
He longs for the presence of God.
He is in an emotional drought and spiritual dryness.
We don’t know who the writer of these psalms is. Some think it is Hezekiah, a great godly king. Perhaps it was David, but whoever it is, it is one who has been denied access to the temple, the dwelling place of God.
And he is spiritually hungry, thirsty, as he says – “As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul panteth after You, my God.”
Here is one who loves the dwelling place of God and has been cut off from going to the temple. It could be for health reasons or distance.
The prayer of the writer of this Psalm is:
V1-2 I thirst for You. I need You to come and minister to me –
- Speak Word of life to me
- Dry my tears
- Calm my thoughts
- Protect me from the words of my enemies
V3-5 They cry out and mock me –
“Where is your God?”
They are asking some of the questions I have asked in secret. “Where are you, God” I need You!”
V4 I remember how it used to be –
- The singing
- Oh, how we worshipped
- Meeting together – to sing and give thanks
Father, I’m homesick! I want to be in Your presence – (prayer heard by the Father).
V5-8 The writer’s self-talk continues:
“Why am I so discouraged? Why so sad?
What is up with me? I know better than this!
I am feeling greatly disturbed, discouraged –
The truth is….
- I have hope in God –
- He is there for me –
- He is my Savior, and my God –
- I will praise Him
I choose to remember Who You are!
Listen, can you hear it? Your waves are coming in; the tide is up.
- Unfailing love is rushing in –
- I am singing songs of deliverance –
- I can pray again
Not just a stream of water, but an ocean of living water sweeps over me, giving me life.
V9 The writer understands the nature of God –
He is my Rock.
So again, he cries out to God –
Tell me again. Why must I continue like this?
- They are still talking.
- Their words still hurt.
They are still asking, “Where is this God of mine?”
See, Lord, I am discouraged again. I am sad!
So I will put my hope in You!
Again, I will praise You!
You, my Rock, You are my Savior and My God!
top