The David Spoon Experience 10-18-23 part 1

A) Psalm 42:5 is a powerful passage for dealing with depression and discouragement. It reads, “Why are you downcast, oh my soul? Why are you disquieted within me?” The author is questioning himself, asking why he feels so low. He encourages himself not to be downcast. We call this “SELF-TALK.” 

B) The author finds his answer in his faith, stating, “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” The key here is to maintain hope in God, understanding that we will continue to praise Him. This implies that deliverance is on its way; the discouragement will end and the downcast spirit will be lifted because deliverance comes from God, who is reliable. So even in times of despair, the author counters it with the affirmation, “Yet will I praise Him.”

C) The passage continues to address this issue: “Why are you down, oh soul? Why are you discouraged? Why are you kicking the dirt? Why are you pouting?” The answer lies in remembrance of the Lord. While the first part dealt with self-talk, this part focuses on God-talk. The antidote to discouragement is to REMEMBER THE LORD.

D) The depth of man cries out to the depth of God - the deepest part of our being reaching out to the deepest part of God’s being.