A SONG FOR THE DOWNCAST

by William Boekestein

My soul is cast down within me.” That’s a remarkable statement given the source (Ps. 42:6). The Psalter is a book of praise, right? So why do Psalms 42 and 43—conjoined in many Hebrew manuscripts and sharing a refrain (Pss. 42:5, 11; 43:5)—present depression as worship material? Because the Psalms are realistic. They critique an airbrushed philosophy and encourage even the discouraged to worship. They don’t guarantee a quick cure for depression. That’s true to life; even the spiritually mature can suffer long in darkness. But these psalms do offer hope.

The first hint of hope is the truth that believers lament. The Sons of Korah, as worship leaders and spiritual motivators (Ps. 42:4), give us permission to express dark emotions. These psalms are for people who know God as their “exceeding joy” (Ps. 43:4) but aren’t feeling it.

Perhaps you can relate. These poems describe spiritual thirst. The image of a parched deer is mixed. Desiring God is good. But in the desert, God can seem to us an elusive oasis. The poems also reveal stubborn sadness. “My tears have been my food day and night” (Ps. 42:3). God’s “waves have gone over me” (v. 7). I’m drowning! And the author betrays extreme pessimism. Deep sadness can lie, alleging that the good days are gone and that our future will be worse. God doesn’t want us to mask our pain. He doesn’t demand exuberance. Instead, He invites us to sing even when our praise is tinged with sadness.

And hope increases. The refrain asks, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” That’s a helpful question. As he pours out his soul, the author names real reasons to be sad. His enemies unjustly accuse and oppress him, suggesting that God is absent and oblivious (Ps. 42:3, 9–10). But only through self-reflection does the writer learn that none of his truly serious problems are damning.

Moreover, the poet models habits that can counteract our discouragement. First, we should talk to God. The writer is musing. But he is also praying to the God who is willing and able to bear our cares (1 Peter 5:7). Second, we should recall spiritual vibrancy (Ps. 42:4). It is unwise—and logically invalid—to conclude that your best days are past (see Eccl. 7:10). Third, we should anticipate prosperity. “I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Ps. 42:5, 11; see Ps. 43:4). The psalmist isn’t happy yet. But his imagination gets him halfway there. Fourth, we should counsel our souls to “hope in God” (Ps. 42:5, 11). Hope doesn’t cancel our problems (Rom. 8:24). It ensures a better day. If God’s love is steadfast (Ps. 42:8), present hardships cannot tell the whole story. Joy will prevail.

In Christ, God’s light and truth can lead you to His holy hill (Ps. 43:3). One day you will awaken from dread; you will be in God’s presence, where there is no sadness or tears, enemies or anxiety.