Overcoming Anxiety

Study on Psalm 42:11

Scripture:"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:11, NIV)

This particular psalm reflects a time of distress and longing for the presence of God. The psalmist vividly describes his soul's thirst for God, feeling distant from Him, and the deep emotional turmoil that results. Despite this, the psalmist continually urges himself to hope in God.

Exegesis

1. Expression of Inner Turmoil:

• "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" reflects the psalmist's deep introspection and emotional struggle. The repetition of these questions highlights the intensity of his feelings of depression and unrest.
• Psalm 42:5: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
• Psalm 43:5: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

1. Call to Hope in God:

• "Put your hope in God" serves as a self-directed imperative. Despite the psalmist's emotional state, he consciously chooses to place his trust and hope in God. This shift from questioning to commanding himself to hope is a crucial turn in the psalm.
• Psalm 130:5: "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."
• Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

1. Affirmation of Praise:

• "For I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." This declaration underscores the psalmist's resolve to praise God despite current circumstances. It reflects a deep-seated faith that transcends immediate feelings of despair.
• Psalm 71:14: "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."
• Habakkuk 3:17-18: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

1. Spiritual Despair and Longing:

• The psalm captures the reality of spiritual despair and the intense longing for God's presence. This theme resonates with believers who experience feelings of abandonment or distance from God.
• Psalm 63:1: "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."

1. Hope and Trust in God:

• Despite the emotional turmoil, the psalmist exemplifies a profound trust in God. This hope is not based on present circumstances but on the character and promises of God.
• Lamentations 3:21-24: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'"

1. The Discipline of Praise:

• The psalmist's resolve to praise God is an act of spiritual discipline. It demonstrates the importance of praising God even when it is difficult, as an expression of faith and trust.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Practical Application

1. Dealing with Spiritual Depression:

• Believers can find solace in knowing that feelings of spiritual despair are common and addressed in Scripture. Like the psalmist, they can confront their emotions, question their despair, and direct their souls to hope in God.
• Psalm 34:18: "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

1. Encouraging Self-Reflection and Dialogue:

• The psalmist's introspective questions encourage believers to engage in self-reflection and dialogue with their own souls. This practice can help in identifying and addressing sources of spiritual distress.
• Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

1. Practicing Hope and Praise:

• Even in difficult times, believers are encouraged to practice hope and praise. This can be achieved through prayer, worship, and recalling God's faithfulness in the past.
• Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Conclusion

Psalm 42:11 offers a powerful message of hope and faith amidst despair. It highlights the reality of spiritual struggle and the importance of directing one’s soul to hope in God. The verse, supported by related scriptures, provides guidance for dealing with spiritual depression, encourages self-reflection, and underscores the discipline of praise. By embracing these principles, believers can navigate their own seasons of despair with confidence in God's presence and faithfulness.