Psalm 42: Healing for Life's Losses

 

 Introduction

Psalm 42 is an excellent example of what a Psalm is. A Psalm is written in poetic language and is usually meant to be sung as a song. There is something about singing that helps us to connect with our emotions and pour our heart out to God. In fact some of the words of this Psalm form the basis of a well know Christian song entitled "As the Deer." Here is a link to that song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZv3jzOTE70
Many times I have sat down at the piano and poured out my heart to God while singing this Psalm.

Most scholars believe the Psalm was written by King David. It seems to fit a time in his life when he was exiled from and running for his life (perhaps the time when either Saul or Absalom had forced him to run from Jerusalem). He was in depression at the loss of the opportunity to worship in the temple and being far away from the people he loved. Note that the Psalm or song is written to the chief musician. Probably he was in charge of the worship at the temple. God put this and other Psalms of loss in the Bible because loss is something we all will face in our lives. It is wonderful to be able to turn to the Psalms to help us give words to our emotions. Note also how David uses examples such as the deer seeking water that vividly describe his deepest feelings. The Psalms are given to us to help us express what sometimes is hard for us to express to God. It also is comforting to know that great people of God have gone through the same struggles that we face and rather than turning away from God they actually drew closer to God.

Some Background Information

Psalm 42 and 43 go together. In fact many believe that at one time it was one Psalm. Note the repeated verse in Psalm 42:5 and 11 and Psalm 43:5. Psalm 42 express the inner working of David's thoughts and emotions. He is struggling with his emotions while at the same time reminding himself of God's truth. We are emotional people yet we are also people of faith and at times it is a struggle to reconcile how we feel with God's truth. Yet it is God's truth that comforts David and directs him. This Psalm unlike other Psalms does not come to a resolution. Rather it is a snapshot of the inner working of David's emotions. Depression and grief require a process before there is reorientation and healing. David gives an excellent description of all the feelings that accompany loss: tears; questions; remembering; noone understanding; emptiness; inner struggles.

The key word in Psalm 42 is found in verse 5 and 11. That word is Hope. It is hope in God and the knowledge that He is with us and will restore us that enables us to go through times of loss and grief. Hope is an anchor of our soul (see Hebrews 6:18-19). Without hope depression and loss will destroy us.

Devotional Ideas

1. Use this Psalm as a prayer guide add parts that are specific to your situation.
2. Write down your own Psalm of grief using this Psalm as a model.
3. Pour out your heart to God using the song As the Deer.

Final Thoughts

What a great example God has given us in Psalm 42. How wonderful it is that when we go through difficult times of loss we can pour out our hearts to Him. How valuable to know that no matter how devastated we are in Him there is Hope and recovery. Let us remind ourselves of these wonderful truths as we walk through the difficult seasons of life. May the Lord give you a heart like David's.