Prevailing Purpose

Wisdom From Psalm 42 & 43

With help from Christmas cards, social media, and movies, it is easy to begin to feel that everyone but us is having a picture perfect holiday season. Meanwhile, our losses and lack are suddenly highlighted and our aching heart becomes a constant reminder of them.

If you find yourself in similar circumstances, there is hope for you. Know that you are not alone and, thanks to God’s great kindness, scripture models the process of handling our hurt in Psalm 42 and 43.

Acknowledge your Pain: Psalm 42:2-3

Throughout these two psalms, the Psalmist acknowledges his grief with strong language. But in these early verses he tells us that his pain is so great that he cannot eat and he cannot stop weeping. Meanwhile, those around him are mocking him, yet there is only silence from God. He is growing increasingly desperate to hear something, anything, from him.

If you have felt similarly to the Psalmist, it is good and right for you to lament your pain. The ache that we feel from the effects of sin and suffering are a signal to us that something in our world has gone very wrong.

While our feelings do not directly correlate to the truth, they are important to acknowledge as we tether ourselves back to the truth in scripture. Rather than suppressing your anguish and attempting to put on a brave face, express your pain to both trusted loved ones and to the Lord in prayer.

Ask the Hard Questions: Psalm 42:9; 43:2

Pain often brings us face to face with life’s toughest questions, but rather than backing down, the Psalmist brings his own questions before the Lord and wrestles with them there. In his loneliness, he searches for God and asks directly why the Lord has seemingly abandoned him.

Similarly, you do not have to be afraid of asking your own questions. There are not always answers, but working through those questions is an important part of processing pain. Ask your questions of the Lord in prayer, ask for wisdom from other believers, but always search for answers in scripture.

Remember God’s Faithfulness: Psalm 42:4-6

Even as he is expressing his grief, the Psalmist reminds himself of all that God has done before. God himself has not changed, only his circumstances have. God remains the same, and he has been and continues to show his faithfulness.

As you recall God’s goodness, begin with the smallest and easiest blessings to remember and praise him for them. Or, if you struggle to find things to be thankful for, look away from your own life and to God himself. Give thanks for God’s consistent character, for his nearness to your broken heart, for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for your salvation. More than likely, it will be necessary to remind yourself of his faithfulness more often than not during this season.

Rehearse Hope: Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:4-5

Though he is in turmoil, the Psalmist recognizes that his pain will not last forever. On some future day, his hope and joy will return. Throughout both psalms, he rehearses hope by repeating a script to himself:

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

Even when you do not feel hopeful, remind your heart of the truth of the gospel. With scripture, a personal script, or music, repeat truth to yourself until you begin to feel a thaw and hope returning.

Though this holiday season may highlight what you have lost or never had, it also highlights our greatest hope-the Lord Jesus. Because he came, died, and rose again, there will one day truly be everlasting joy and every wrong will be made right.

Healing may be slow in this life, but there is a coming day when we will stand before the Throne of God fully restored, sinless, and reigning with him in glory.

If you are walking through a difficult season and can benefit from biblical counseling, schedule a session with myself or another qualified counselor today.

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