One of the most sought-after books of the Bible is the book of Psalms. Perhaps the Psalms are so popular because they address subjects in a poetic way.

The title of this book in Greek is Psalms, which translates to "hymns," or songs.

It is very common to have songs as a form of worship. Therefore, it is believed that the book of Psalms was written to be sung.

When we study Hebrew poetry , we learn that the language used by the Hebrews in their songs was full of emotion. According to a study manual of the Old Testament,

“Poets do not attempt to “report” events, but rather to express their feelings. To do this, they often use symbolic language and sometimes exaggerate. In addition, they may also try to express their feelings or impress listeners by using some kind of pattern or rhythm.”

Psalm 42

One psalm that stands out for its language and emotion is Psalm 42. This text is compared to someone who is sad and feels alone. Some passages suggest a possible depression on the part of the author. And several articles about the text in Psalm 42 also confirm this idea.

And indeed! When we read passages like "Why are you downcast, O my soul, and why are you disturbed within me?" "O ​​my God, my soul is downcast within me," we can get that impression.

For this reason, we will take a closer look at this text.

In the introduction to Psalm 42, we see that this psalm is a 'Maschil'. What is that?

Maschil is a term that means instruction and is present in the introduction of several Psalms.

Therefore, we understand that the text will present a lesson for the reader, and not a complaint to God.

The text is a lament, and that shouldn't be denied or downplayed. For people suffering from depression or other mental disorders, it can be difficult to understand and express positivity in everything.

Contrary to what we might think, lamentation can draw us closer to the Lord and help us remember that we are not alone. We can lament and at the same time have faith and hope.

Another important aspect of this psalm is that it is divided between Psalms 42 and 43. Therefore, we cannot study one without looking at the other.

The psalmist

Psalms 42 and 43 address the reality of the psalmist in the Old Testament and of a Christian today. Studying them reveals that sadness, sorrow, trials, and provocations from Satan have always existed and will continue to exist.

However, it's not just about suffering, pain, and depression. Although the psalmist appears depressed, we can observe moments of faith, trust in the Lord, and hope for the future.

I wouldn't say that these psalms only portray depression and sadness. By studying them prayerfully, I can highlight moments of trial accompanied by trust and faith in God.

At the same time, I observe similarities between the words contained in them and current daily life. For example, let's look at verses 3 and 4 in Psalm 42:

"My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, 'Where is your God?'"

When I remember this, I pour out my soul within me, for I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with the multitude that kept the feast.”

Here, we observe much sadness, loneliness, and mourning. But then, in verse 5, we read about faith, trusting in the Lord, and hope.

"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 same pattern repeats throughout the psalm; verse 7 expresses anxiety and depression. And in verse 8, “Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life,” we see faith and hope in the Lord once again.

In Psalm 43 this pattern continues. This psalm is quite short, and it's easy to identify moments of sadness, suffering, but also faith. The last verse is a combination of all of that. 

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? (sadness) “Hope in God” (hope), “for I shall yet praise Him,” (trust) “who is the salvation of my countenance, and my God” (faith).

Trust in the Lord

The Old Testament Study Guide for Home Seminary Students helps us understand that some psalms, such as Psalm 42, “can be summarized in the following phrase: 'God is our refuge and strength'”.

For all our sorrows, whatever they may be, the Lord is the best path. The psalmist teaches us that in pain, regardless of whether it is caused by depression or any other difficulty or trial, we always have God, as all his lamentations end with faith and by mentioning the Lord.

Finally, our trust should always be in Heavenly Father. Elder Richard G. Scott taught:

"There is absolute assurance that, in the Lord's time, the solution will come, peace will prevail, and the void will be filled."

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