Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul?The psalmist begins with a poignant question, addressing his own soul. The Hebrew word for "downcast" is "שָׁחַח" (shachach), which conveys a sense of being bowed down or brought low. This reflects a deep emotional turmoil, a state of depression or despair. In the historical context, the psalmist, possibly David, often faced persecution and isolation, which could lead to such a state. This question is not just rhetorical; it invites introspection and self-examination, encouraging believers to confront their own feelings of despondency. Why the unease within me?
The term "unease" translates from the Hebrew "הָמָה" (hamah), meaning to murmur, growl, or roar. It suggests an inner turmoil or restlessness, akin to the roaring of the sea. This imagery captures the intensity of the psalmist's emotional state. In a broader scriptural context, this unease can be seen as a spiritual struggle, a common experience for believers who face trials and tribulations. It serves as a reminder that such inner conflicts are part of the human condition and the spiritual journey. Put your hope in God
Here, the psalmist shifts from questioning to exhortation. The Hebrew word for "hope" is "יָחַל" (yachal), which implies waiting with expectation. This is not a passive waiting but an active, confident anticipation of God's intervention. In the biblical narrative, hope in God is a recurring theme, emphasizing trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty. This phrase encourages believers to redirect their focus from their circumstances to the steadfastness of God, reinforcing the idea that hope is a powerful antidote to despair. for I will yet praise Him
The phrase "I will yet praise Him" is a declaration of faith and determination. The Hebrew root "יָדָה" (yadah) for "praise" involves giving thanks or confessing. Despite the current state of distress, the psalmist resolves to continue worshiping God. This reflects a deep-seated belief in God's goodness and a commitment to honor Him regardless of circumstances. Historically, this attitude of praise amidst trials is exemplified by many biblical figures, serving as an inspirational model for believers to maintain a posture of worship. my Savior and my God
The psalmist concludes with a personal affirmation of God's role as both "Savior" and "God." The Hebrew word for "Savior" is "יֵשַׁע" (yesha), denoting deliverance or salvation. This acknowledges God's power to rescue and redeem. The term "God" is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This dual acknowledgment underscores the psalmist's reliance on God's ability to save and His divine authority. It serves as a powerful reminder of the personal relationship believers have with God, who is both their deliverer and sovereign Lord. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PsalmistThe author of Psalm 43, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses a deep personal struggle and a longing for God's presence. 2. GodReferred to as the Psalmist's Savior and God, highlighting a personal relationship and trust in divine deliverance. 3. The SoulRepresents the inner self of the Psalmist, experiencing turmoil and seeking solace in God. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual DespondencyRecognize that feeling downcast or uneasy is a common human experience, even for those with strong faith. The Importance of Self-ReflectionThe Psalmist's questioning of his own soul encourages believers to engage in self-reflection to understand their spiritual state. Hope as a Spiritual AnchorEmphasize the importance of placing hope in God as a stabilizing force during times of emotional and spiritual turmoil. Praise as a Response to DespairHighlight the transformative power of praise, which shifts focus from personal distress to God's sovereignty and goodness. Personal Relationship with GodEncourage believers to cultivate a personal relationship with God, recognizing Him as both Savior and God, which provides comfort and strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Psalmist's approach to his own feelings of being downcast provide a model for dealing with our own emotional struggles? 2. In what ways can we actively "put our hope in God" during times of unease or distress? 3. How does the theme of hope in Psalm 43:5 connect with the message of hope found in Lamentations 3? 4. What role does praise play in overcoming feelings of despair, and how can we incorporate this practice into our daily lives? 5. How can understanding God as both "Savior" and "God" deepen our trust and reliance on Him in challenging times? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 42This Psalm shares a similar refrain and theme, suggesting a continuation of the Psalmist's struggle and hope in God. Lamentations 3Echoes the theme of hope amidst despair, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the renewal of hope. Philippians 4Encourages believers to find peace and joy in God, even in times of anxiety and distress. 1 Peter 5Advises casting all anxieties on God, who cares for us, reinforcing the call to trust in divine care. People Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics 44, Cast, Chief, Confess, Countenance, Crushed, Despair, Disquieted, Disturbed, Health, Helper, Hope, Korah, Maschil, Moanest, Musician, O, Praise, Psalm, Salvation, Savior, Sons, Soul, Thyself, Troubled, Wait, Within, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 43:5 5901 loneliness
5945 self-pity
8478 self-examination
8479 self-examination, examples Psalm 43:1-5 5831 depression Library The Psalmist's Remonstrance with his Soul
'Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, the health of my countenance, and my God.'--PSALM xliii. 5. This verse, which closes this psalm, occurs twice in the previous one. It is a kind of refrain. Obviously this little psalm, of which my text is a part, was originally united with the preceding one. That the two made one is clear to anybody that will read them, by reason of structure, and tone, and similarity of the singer's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureConflict.
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."--Psalm 43:5. "Schoene Sonne, kommt du endlich wieder?" [30]Lange transl., Jane Borthwick Sun of comfort, art thou fled for ever? Light of joy, wilt thou return at last? Shall I sing again the song of morning, When the watches of the night are past? Ah! delay not, long-expected dawning! Scatter the thick clouds and mist away, Which …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther The Ark of God
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. xliii. 3 Peace! O restless heart of mine; Thou, the Still, the Blest, Lead me to Thy courts divine, Thine untroubled rest. Tossed upon the raving sea, Still, fair land, I long for thee. Lord, from Thee I went astray, Lured by magic song; Through dim places far away I have wandered long-- Now, when lost are moon and star, Shines the light of Home afar. O'er the waves that cannot rest, O'er the drifting foam, Wandering dove without a nest; Weary-winged, I come. From the lonely …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Promises.
GOD hath strewed all the way from the gate of hell where thou wast, coming sinner, to the gate of heaven whither thou art going, with flowers out of his own garden. Behold how the promises, invitations, calls, and encouragements, like lilies, lie about thee. Take heed thou dost not tread them under foot. You say you believe the Scriptures to be the word of God. I say, Wert thou ever quickened from a dead state by the power of the Spirit of Christ through the covenant of promise? I tell thee from …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers. …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 43:5 NIVPsalm 43:5 NLTPsalm 43:5 ESVPsalm 43:5 NASBPsalm 43:5 KJV
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