Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

The writer remembered joyfully leading God’s people to God’s house. Downcast, he reminded himself to have hope in God and to praise the One who lovingly directed him.

What does it mean?

Psalm 42, the first psalm attributed to the sons of Korah, marks the beginning of Book 2 in Psalms. The descendants of Korah overcame the rebellious legacy of their ancestor. They faithfully led Israel in Temple worship (Num. 16). The writer was far from Jerusalem, suffering physically and taunted by the ungodly. His consuming desire to return to the Temple led him to seek direction through God’s truth. God’s love sustained him during the day and gave him a song in the night. This dark lament maintains a singular reason to hope he would smile again – his Savior, his Rock was with him.

How should I respond?

A drastic change of some kind can make us feel disjointed emotionally, bringing on a period of depression. Sometimes, we long for our circumstances to change, but God allows it to continue daily. What should you do when life leaves you feeling dark and unsettled? Search out the light and truth found in Scripture. The Bible is a compass, directing our feelings so we won’t get off course spiritually. It reminds us of God and how He has been faithful in the past. Have your hopes been dashed? Hope in God; His character remains unchanged amid our fluctuating circumstances.