“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.” (Psalm 43:5)

In songs of lament, there is this element of sorrow or pain being expressed by the psalmist. Sometimes it is very clear why there is a lament, and sometimes it is a more general complaint. David is always aware of his many enemies outside the realm and inside the realm. He is surrounded by liars and those who wish him ill. He senses that his actions have even made God his enemy.  Usually, this is a problem created by David and the loss of God an imagination of David.

In this psalm, he gives the answer to his own depression. Why are you this way, David? Why are you feeling upset and depressed? God has not abandoned you but the other way around. Just put your hope in God and not in yourself. With this realization, David is able to say “I shall again praise him.”

God had not left his holy temple. He had not left the king he chose. David had quit praising him. David had given up his hope in God and looked for it somewhere else, perhaps in himself. He shut God out not the other way around. The result was a realization that he couldn’t do what needed to be done alone. He could not defeat his enemies and overcome those who meant evil by himself. He needed God.

Task for Today: Feeling depressed? Hope in God. Failing in some way? Hope in God. In the valley of despair? Hope in God. God is the answer to every problem you face. He is your salvation if you make Him your God. Give God the praise He deserves. Stop where you are and praise God for your salvation and your hope.