How does God guide us out of discouragement when we are unable to see the way?
Psalm 42 begins the second major section of the Psalms (often times broken out as “Book Two”) that goes through Psalm 72. Psalms being tied so closely to musical arrangements, it is easy to picture Psalm 42 as music sang in desperation to God. Many commentators believe the writer of Psalm 42 came from influential worship leaders during the time of David and Solomon. This Psalm is incredibly expressive in a longing to commune with God. We see a true need and desperation for Him, just as verse 1 starts with a deer panting for flowing streams.
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”
This is not merely a casual lapping up of water, this is a desperation for nourishment, sustenance and refreshment. We must also see that this is the posture of our longing souls. We must desperately depend on God’s grace when we are, as many of the older hymns and writings refer to, downtrodden by our emotions.
There was a time when people longed to worship God in temple of the Lord in Jerusalem – the sanctuary of God. They were not able to worship in the sanctuary for a time, and this Psalmist shares about the discouragement in His soul in verse 3.
“My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is Your God?”
Pastor Zad reminded us from Exodus 6, in such an encouraging and faithful way during His message on “The Reminder We Need Everyday”, that we “can doubt when we forget who God is. We forget what He has done and we forget what He promises.” He also goes on to remind us that God will be with us on the journey, and He is always faithful to His promises.
Verses 1-5 of Psalm 42 shows us both discouragement and dependence. We see that Psalmist, despite His discouragement, is trusting in God and is speaking to himself assurance of salvation. Each and every disciple of Jesus Christ will face discouragement. We will feel that our hope is razor thin, and we will think God is a million miles away. Our labor and work in the Gospel can feel unfruitful at times. Our prayers may feel that they do not even reach the ceiling, let alone God. But it is in these moments we must look to our Guide, to our Loving Father who has given us His Word and His promises. The Psalms so often put into words what we can feel our weaknesses are. These are also great accounts of His unending faithfulness to His glory, His character and His promises.
One faithful pastor has said, “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” Often, discouragement can narrow our vision. It’s when God’s presence is not proven in our timetable in our tangible way that we become frustrated or disheartened. This is when we must look to the Lord. One powerful way to fight discouragement is to put to these feelings in prayer by reading the Psalms. A few for example:
- Psalm 13:1-2 may give a voice to your burden: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
- Psalm 42:5 preaches truth in response: “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him”
- Let Psalm 73:26 anchor you in the reality of who we are, and who God is: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”
The true reality of God’s Word, and the Psalms, is that we do not deny that discouragement exists, but we fight it by holding onto God in the middle of it.
Other resources to remind you that you are not the first disciple of Christ to deal with discouragement:
- Thomas doubted (John 20:24-29), but Jesus came to him and invited Him to believe.
- Paul confessed that he was “fighting without and fear within” (2 Cor. 7:5-6), but he found comfort in God “who comforts the downcast.”
- John Mark left and abandoned Paul in Acts 13 but was later reconciled and became useful again in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
Keep in mind, discouragement does not equal disqualification. It’s in these times we must refocus our vision and gaze into the face of the God of Grace. He will sustain and preserve His people for His Glory.
H.B. Charles says it so well, “Faith is not the denial of reality, it is hope in God in spite of reality.”
So what do we do, Child of God, when we are in trial, temptation or are feeling discouraged?
Speak God’s promises and raise them in prayer!
- Remember when God has proven His faithfulness, above all He has done this by the provision of His Son Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin, and the righteousness you could not hope to attain without Him.
Pray, read God’s Word and sing hymns. Good Gospel saturated hymns will refresh your soul in worship to our great and worthy King.
“As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
You alone are my Strength, my Shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee.”
Take heart brother and sister in Christ! Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Remember that Psalm 138:8 reminds us that David trusted God as he writes in verse 8: “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.” Disciple of Christ reading this – remind yourself that “He who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Fly the banner of Christ, march on, battle your sin and discouragement with the reminder of the Gospel. We have been given a savior that is near, and a Father in Heaven that loves His children. You have been saved and the penalty for your sin has been paid. You are being sanctified and are growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. One day – the Lord will gather His Bride, and we will be glorified with Him for all of eternity.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow! May he receive praise, honor and glory for who He is and what He has done.