Winning Over Spiritual Depression - False Cures, Pt 3/4

Psalm 42 and 43 is usually taken together mainly because the matter is the same. Furthermore, Psalm 42 lists its author but Psalm 43 does not lead some to believe that they have the same author. In some Hebrew texts, they are listed as one Psalm. I must admit, does seem quite natural to take them this way and so I do. The texts have a natural flow and connection. 

The subject matter is a deep one, a desperate one – spiritual depression. The Psalmist is troubled deeply in spirit. His “countenance” has fallen. His soul is “disquieted.” He is troubled with anxious thoughts and fears. He has this sense of being overwhelmed especially by his enemies. He is afraid for himself. And most importantly, the Psalmist has been separated from the House of God and his service of God. Of course, he knows that God is with him wherever he is but being prevented from attending and serving the Lord as is his custom was almost more than he could bear. These Psalms are rich with the truth regarding how the Christian is to handle adversity and spiritual depression, which is often the result of adversity. Let us proceed prayerfully into this text of Scripture, praying that the Lord would help us overcome this spiritual plague. 

I find it interesting that the sons of Korah wrote this Psalm. Some may not remember Korah in the book of Numbers or not have heard of him. The Bible records a confrontation between Moses and Aaron, and Korah and his 250 supporters in Numbers chapter 16. If you are unfamiliar with this man you may not see the importance of the fact that his descendants are listed as writing Psalm 42. But if you are somewhat knowledgeable of the story you may already see the grace of God beaming through it. Before we delve into the subject of Spiritual Depression, let’s take some time to get to know this man Korah and his terrible sin. We see in the end that it too has a message for us regarding spiritual depression, namely, God’s grace is greater than our sin. I do not say that to excuse Korah’s sin. Korah was judged and we must be reminded that our God is a consuming fire, we can be judged as well.