April 15 -Reading 13: Psalm 42-45

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God…” (Psalm 42:5a, c).

The theme of “Why are you down? Look up” is repeated at least three times in our Psalm reading for today, so let’s spend a little time with it. We all know that it is a “downer” when we focus on our world and our circumstances. This life can never be paradise because of sin.

We also know that we should “look up,” knowing that this life is as temporary as a vapor, that we are aliens in this world, and that we are just passing through on our way to our permanent home in heaven, where Jesus is preparing a place for us (John 14:2).

But if we know all of these truths, why do we often struggle with the constant “yo-yo” of having to turn our “downs” into “ups?”

If we could just make it a “one and done” proposition, never to struggle again, we would feel so good, so proud of ourselves, and think “I’ve got this.” Instead, the continuing “down and up” is a helpful reminder that we always need the Lord, so let’s embrace it.

Our Psalms today also remind us that help does not come from ourselves. We cannot save ourselves. It is only God’s arm, God’s strength, God’s power (Psalm 44:3). Amazingly, however, He gives us the privilege of bringing about His kingdom through prayer. Our fervent intercession is exactly what we are supposed to do in order to bring His change in this world for His kingdom purposes. But it’s all by God’s power, not ours. Why? So He gets all the praise and all the glory.

The remedy repeated throughout our Psalms today is: “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him” (Psalm 42:5). What a helpful and hopeful instruction to our souls. It speaks of a time that we can know is coming, a time of deliverance and rejoicing. It is future-focused, acknowledging that our all-powerful, all-wise god is working all things out in His way, in His time and for His glory.