Why Are You Cast Down? (Psalm 42-43)

The refrain “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” ties these two psalms together (42:5, 11; 43:5). Why was the writer so depressed?

For one thing, God seemed far from him in his hour of need (42:1–3). He felt like a thirsty deer in the desert, searching for water. But the Lord is never far away; He is near even when you do not recognize Him (Isa. 41:10; Heb. 13:5; Ps. 46:7).

The writer’s depression was aggravated because he looked back at “the good old days” (42:4–6). He longed to return to Jerusalem and minister in the temple. Sometimes retirement or a change of residence will make people depressed. The older we get, the less we enjoy change.

The discouraging talk of others was a third contributing factor (42:3, 9–10): “Has God forgotten you? Where is your God?” The answer is in Psalm 115. Listen to God and not to the foolish talk of men.

What should you do when depression starts to control you? “Hope in God” (42:5, 11; 43:5). Look at the future and not at the past. If you feel drowned by circumstances, keep in mind that they are His waves and billows (42:7), and He knows what is best for you. Stop feeding on your feelings (42:3) and start feeding on His Word (43:3). God will guard you and guide you, no matter how miserable you may feel. God is greater than your feelings. Walk by faith and He will see you through.