Loading Content...
Share a Link to this Message
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
CloseDr. David Carey Dixon - July 9, 2023
Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul? (Psalm 42:1-11)
The particular psalm we want to look at today is Psalm 42, perhaps best known for its metaphor of the deer panting for streams of water. In the first half (vv. 1-5), the psalmist sets forth the motive of his depression: he is far from home, far from Jerusalem, and thirsty for the refreshment of God’s presence; to make things worse, he has to hear discouraging words and scorn for his faith. He does his best to lift his spirits through probing self-talk. Then in the second half (vv. 6-11), the psalmist enters fully into dialogue with God, remembering Yahweh and His faithfulness, unburdening his soul of the deep questions that are troubling him, and laying his pain and sorrow before the Lord. He ends with the same probing question and exhortation to his own soul as in v. 5. Psalm 43, originally part of the same psalm according to a number of ancient Hebrew manuscripts, represents a kind of afterthought on the same theme. He further elaborates on the threat from his adversary, his doubts and sorrow, his hope for God’s light and truth to guide him, and affirms his intention to worship at God’s altar, ending again with the same probing self-talk of Psalm 42.
Scripture References: Psalms 42:1-11
Related Topics: Encouragement, Psalm 42 | More Messages from Dr. David Carey Dixon | Download Audio
From Series: "Sunday Service"
More From "Sunday Service"
March 15, 2020
Peace, Even When It Seems Impossible
Wyley Jenkins
Philippians 4:6-7
March 22, 2020
Coronavirus and Our Emotions
Tim Melton
Galatians 5:16-24
March 29, 2020
Unwrapping the Gifts of this Present Crisis
Wyley Jenkins
Revelation 20:11-15
April 5, 2020
God Will Never Abandon His Children
Tim Melton
Luke 19:28-40
April 10, 2020
The God Who Satisfies Our Souls
Wyley Jenkins
Matthew 27:32-54
April 12, 2020
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
Tim Melton
1 John 4:15-19
April 19, 2020
God’s Message To the World
Wyley Jenkins
Romans 5:6-11
April 26, 2020
When Crisis Exposes Our Heart
Tim Melton
Galatians 5:16-26
May 3, 2020
Discovering Hope in Dark Times
Wyley Jenkins
Romans 8:31-39
May 10, 2020
How the Crisis Strengthens the Church
Tim Melton
Jeremiah 31:31-34