Why am I so overwrought?  Why am I so disturbed? Why can’t I just hope in God?  Despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One who saves me and is my life.

pSALM 42:5

Theologian Charles H. Spurgeon refers to Psalm 42 when he says, “Most of the Lord’s family have sailed on the sea which is here so graphically described.” King David wrote Psalm 42 half as a letter to God begging for His presence, and half as a letter to himself encouraging his own faith. He repeatedly wrote why he’s upset. He repeatedly came to the conclusion that he ought to continue trusting God. This honest conversation with God and himself was King David’s greatest weapon to silence the discouragement that tried to wipe him out. My soul is dry and thirsts for You, True God, as a deer thirsts for water.  I long for the True God who lives.  When can I stand before Him and feel His comfort?  Right now, I’m overwhelmed by my sorrow and pain; I can’t stop feasting on my tears. People crowd around me and say, “Where is your True God whom you claim will save?” (Psalm 42:1-3)

In verse five, David asks his own soul why it’s so downcast. Spurgeon comments, “As though he were two men, the psalmist talks to himself. His faith reasons with his fears, his hope argues with his sorrows.” Sometimes, we find ourselves sailing on David’s Sea, when battles on the outside and fear on the inside argue with our hope. This is precisely when we need to have some stored-up hope and courage ready to fire. My God, my soul is so traumatized; the only help is remembering You wherever I may be; From the land of the Jordan to Hermon’s high place to Mount Mizar. (Psalm 42:6).

In Psalm 119:11, we find that King David’s strategy was to hide God’s truth in his heart. What scriptural truths will you hide in your heart? Maybe, “I don’t understand this, but I trust You God.” Or “God, You brought me this far. You won’t leave me now.” Or maybe your truth will be, “I know my present pain will not even compare to my future victory.” Yet in the light of day, the Eternal shows me His love. When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company— His soothing song, a prayerful melody to the True God of my life (Psalm 42:8).

David Danced Before the lord

David danced before the Lord in the streets as a response of praise to his holy God. He worshiped after the death of his son. David is a man known for praise. Even in the darkest seasons of his life—as we see in the psalms—he pointed back to the goodness of God.

No matter what season David found himself in, he always had the perspective of praise. We can learn a thing or two from that kind of attitude. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy, but he knew thanksgiving was always necessary. I don’t know if you are in a good season or a hard one, but I do know worship is the response in either. I encourage you to recount your many blessings today and give God glory and praise for His goodness to you! Why am I so overwrought, Why am I so disturbed? Why can’t I just hope in God?  Despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One who saves me, my God. (Psalm 42:11)

Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.

Charles H. Spurgeon