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Turmoil & Depression, Hope & Faith |
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Bible Study -
Devotional
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Wednesday, 29 November 2006 |
Psalm 42-43
Desperation produces longing. Many times I have read and heard Psalm
42:1 quoted. Often it has been used to illustrate the proper desire one
should have for God. However, the remainder of the poem points to a
deeper drive to “long for...God”. The author's impetus (and ours as
well) is desperation.
In the United States, one of our goals in life is to avoid pain, both emotional and physical. Take note in magazines, on television and elsewhere the number of medications available to mitigate discomfort. We no longer go to the drug dealer on the corner, but to the pharmacist as an expectation of a utopian state of being becomes the norm. Removal of depression by medication or therapy is not always the solution. Read “The Gift of Pain” by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancy.
The author of the psalm experiences a deeper need and consequently relationship with God. How? Through depression (a downcast soul) . There is turmoil (42:5,11,43:5) and the psalmist digs deeper because of it; “...therefore I remember You...”(42:6 b) Avoiding turmoil, discomfort and pain will stunt our spiritual growth. How can we relate to our savior if life is smooth sailing? (2 Timothy 1:8, 2:3) Pain, discomfort, trials and circumstantial uncertainty are faith producers for those who will take them head on with God.
Psalm 43:2, “Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy's oppression?” Why me God? Is this a valid question? Yes! God wants us to honestly and faithfully question. Suffering is not something we allow to steamroll over us, there is a process of questioning and acceptance. The psalmist is not questioning God as an atheist would but as a child to a parent. Psalm 43:5 gives insight to a righteous question with a faithful ending.
Why am I so depressed?
Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
my Savior and my God.
All bible quotations from the Holman CSB.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 November 2006 )
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