GOD’S PRESENCE
Psalm 42:1–11
God never promised that believing Him and being obedient would be easy, yet in our good days and not-so-good days, we can experience God’s presence. God’s presence can bring peace and comfort on difficult days.
Most biblical scholars affirm that Psalms 42 and 43 should be viewed as one psalm because Psalm 43 has the absence of a superscription. Psalm 43 repeats the refrain of Psalm 42.
Psalm 42 is a “maskil” — a psalm of wisdom written by the sons of Korah, who functioned as temple singers according to 1 Chronicles 6.
In Times of Longing (1–5)
The unknown psalmist longs for the living God as deer long for flowing streams. The author had a thirst for the living God. A life situation likely made it difficult for the psalmist to enter into God’s presence. The psalmist’s attitude rebukes our feeble love.
The author begged, “When can I come and appear before God?” Regrettably, many modern believers are sporadic in worship participation. The psalmist poured out his heart, even pouring out tears night and day. He participated in and led a festive procession to the house of God. We can bring our “When?” “Why?” and “Where?” questions to God.
In response to the questions of others, the psalmist pours out his heart to God. In the context of feeling dejected, the psalmist pledged to hope in God and praise Him as Savior and God. Our generation is not immune from similar feelings. The cure for soul turmoil or depression is putting our hope in God as Savior.
In Overwhelming Times (6–8)
In the context of experiencing deep depression, the psalmist remembered his experience in the land of Jordan and the mountain peaks of Hermon. As the psalmist reflected, perhaps he recalled times when he felt closer to God.
Throughout his experience, God was faithful day by day. God’s song became his song, and as he rose out of his time of feeling overwhelmed, he continued to pray to the God of his life. During dry times in our spiritual walk, we can be like the psalmist and pray to the God of our lives.
In Seasons of Waiting (9–11)
In our prayer time, we should be honest with God. If you are struggling, tell God. The psalmist asked God honest questions like, “Why have you forgotten me?” In the midst of his difficult mindset, others — perhaps even family and friends — asked him, “Where is your God?” It appeared to him that he must go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression, according to the passage.
Feeling dejection and turmoil, the psalmist provided a litany of inner struggles he encountered. At the conclusion of our passage, the author challenged himself, asking himself why he was so dejected and why he was in turmoil. Psalm 42:11 provides the spiritual cure: “Put your hope in God.” Praise God as “my Savior and my God.”
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
