“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”
– Psalm 42:5
It’s certainly possible to experience seasons of despair and yet live in faith. The psalms teach us how to navigate such times, if we’re willing to learn the lesson. In this psalm, the writer is desperate to feel God’s presence. He’s open and honest about his struggle. However, he also knows that God IS present, even when he doesn’t feel Him. He’s desperate for God to change his present situation, but remains confident that God will do so when it’s time.
This is how we navigate our despair in faith. We speak honestly and passionately to God in prayer. We cry out. We acknowledge that we don’t feel His closeness or sense His activity as we have in better times. We confess that we don’t understand His plan. Yet, we also remind ourselves of the truth we already know. God is still present. He is always good. He knows more than we ever will. He is working. Firmly maintain your confidence in God, knowing that at some point you’ll be able to look back and recognize both His presence and His good activity in your life.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? There may well be good reasons to be downcast, to be in inner turmoil. Nonetheless, place your hope, trust, and confidence in God. He is present. He understands your situation and your suffering. He is listening and He is your salvation, not just from your present situation, but forever!