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Psalm 43:5 - Remedies for Discouragement and Depression.Psalm 43:5 (NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.Psalm 43:5 (NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5 (CWR) Why then am I still so distressed? What is causing this depression? I will trust in the Lord and not in my feelings. I will praise His name, for He is my Savior and my God! INTRODUCTION That Ps. 42 and 43 might have originally been one poem is suggested by the presence of a recurring theme in both psalms (vv. 42:5, 11; 43:5), and by the fact that no superscription is attached to Ps. 43. These two psalms comprise the prayer of a believer who wrestled and struggled with doubt and depression, but finally rested his case with God (vv. 42:5, 11; 43:3-5). [Believer's SB re Psa. 42] Psalm 43 might be conceived of as an epilogue to Ps 42. The psalmist moves away from introspection toward invocation. However, as v. 5 will indicate, the psalmist's problems had not ended, at least not fully and finally. Nevertheless, spiritual progress is evident. By interrelating the psalmist's two modes of communication in Ps 43 and then by comparing them with the laments of Ps 42, one observes indications of that progress as he continued to deal with his despondency. I. Prayers to God (43:1-4) A. Righting Wrongs (43:1, 2) B. Restoring "Rights" (i.e., proper or appropriate things) (43:3, 4) II. "Pep-talks" to Oneself (43:5) A. Exhortation (43:5a-b) B. Encouragement (43:5c-d) [MacArthur SB 2003] COMMENTARY PEARL I recently read an article in a psychology magazine that focused on self-talk, that inner voice most of us have that offers a running commentary throughout the day. This combination of conscious thoughts and subconscious beliefs helps our brain interpret and process our experiences. Positive, encouraging self-talk can help people combat fear and grow in confidence. Negative self-talk can lead people into depression, convincing them that they are a failure and that their situation will never improve. Like many people, I tend to hear the latter. Centuries ago, the psalm writers knew how to correct unhelpful self-talk. They often began by venting negative emotions but then deliberately shifted their focus. They rehearsed God's past goodness and His promises for the future, often ending by stating an intention to trust and praise God. Like the psalmists, I can change my self-talk and change my perspective. After admitting my fear, disappointment, or anger in prayer, I can remind myself that thanks to Jesus, I am forgiven, free, protected, and unconditionally loved. I don't have to let negative thoughts and feelings dictate my mood; I can choose to focus on truths that uplift my soul and give myself something good to talk about. Dianne Neal Matthews Faith Step: As you go through your day, watch for negative self-talk. Be prepared to replace each of those thoughts with a Bible verse or statement that expresses what Jesus thinks about you. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] CLOSING SONG "Count Your Blessings" By The Martins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EoiHMKQxa4&list=PLgqY2bZ76l_z6ovcdgB-RHr5AV0SkmNvG&index=51 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Psalm 43:5 - Remedies for Discouragement and Depression. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2012/20120502-1812.html Psalm 42:5 - Finding Hope in Discouragement and Depression. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200610-0847.html Psalm 103:2 - Fully Praise The Lord And Remember All The Good Things He Has Done. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230219-0934.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |