Why so downcast

Psalms 42 and 43 include examples of the kind of questions which may flow from the activity of faith. When shall I come and appear before God? In Psalm 43, he does the same, as he pleads for vindication. By repeating the habit of counseling himself with scriptural truth, he is reminded of the faithfulness of God. In his fresh translation of the book of Psalms , Alex Motyer points out that the writer of these two particular psalms asks God questions nine times.

First, help is found in transparent prayer, in the honest cries of a soul in anguish. Second, help is found when you renew your mind with truth about God.

No, a thousand times, no! This is the easiest thing to do when we are depressed, just to feel sorry for ourselves and to become completely preoccupied with ourselves. It is also very easy at such times to feel that everything is wrong, and to say so! Of course, there is good therapy in sharing our burden with someone else, and there is a great ministry that we can exercise towards those who are depressed by seeking to help and encourage them, but when we are downcast we must be careful that we do not become a constant nuisance to other people.

This is wrong too, for when we are depressed some action is needed. People in good health are often bright and optimistic, after a time of illness can become depressed and despondent. Maybe your depression has been caused by overwork.

Have you been experiencing persecution, as David did verse 4? Perhaps you have suffered bereavement or a great disappointment. All these things can bring us into a depressed state of mind. Depression often follows after a long session of work, after studying for an examination, after a wonderful holiday, or after having made a very important decision. This site uses cookies More info No problem.

Contemporary English Version Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, LORD! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God. Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him : the salvation of my countenance, and my God. English Revised Version Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Good News Translation Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.

Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God. International Standard Version Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will praise him once again, since his presence saves me and he is my God. And why moanest thou within me? Literal Standard Version Why bow yourself, O my soul? And why are you troubled within me? Why are you upset? Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention.

New Heart English Bible Why are you in despair, my soul? Hope in God.