Psalm 43

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (5). The repetition of these phrases in multiple psalms reassures us that our own experience of being “downcast” is common, even to people who trust the Lord. The psalmist reminds himself to “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him” (5), staking his faith on God’s character, rather than his own feelings. Meanwhile, he asks God to break into his darkness. “Send me your light and your faithful care; let them lead me” (3).

God’s light and faithful care surround us, even when we feel downcast. As we continue to put our hope in him, we will re-discover the “joy and delight” of his presence (4).