Psalm 42-43

It is hard to separate these two psalms, as they have the same theme and seem to share the same musical chorus. The refrain is found in 42:5, 42:11 and again at 43:5.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."

The theme is one of overcoming depression, or at least a time of being downcast.

At the outset, the psalmist, one of the Sons of Korah, is in need of feeling God's presence. The historical background could have been the exile, but that really isn't the important part. The psalmist is feeling separated from God -- an experience which most of us feel at one time or another. He needs God like a thirsty deer pants for water. The illustration is one of extreme need. It has caused a severe depression for the psalmist, remembering how things used
to be but cannot be now.

After the first chorus, the psalmist realizes that with a depressed soul, he should remember God. Certainly God has not left him. Yet by 42:9, the feelings of abandonment have returned. It has even caused physical pain. Then he sings the familiar refrain.

Psalm 43 begins with a prayer to God for rescue. He recaps his feelings, but at the same time asks for guidance and hope. Before the final chorus, the psalmist has resolved to go to God and to praise Him.

Is this an example of a man working his way out of spiritual depression? Possibly, but it may also simply be a roadmap for others trying to cope with such feelings.