DC Devotion: Psalm 42
BY EMMALINE PARKER, CURRENT AU STUDENT & DISCIPLESHIP COORDINATOR
Exaltation and lamentation are not mutually exclusive. In Psalm 42, the psalmist places his hope and praise in God while expressing great sorrow. We often need reminders of God’s perfect plan and steadfast love because Satan continually attempts to dissuade our faithfulness through taunts and lies (Ps 42:3, 10). Discouragement can become a heavy burden to our souls even when we faithfully serve God, but we can still trust that God is our savior and provider (Ps 42:7-8, 11).
Our desire for God’s presence should be an integral part of our lives (Ps. 42:1-2); however, we are not expected to ignore the places in our lives where we feel as if God has forgotten us and our enemies taunt us relentlessly (Ps. 42:9-10). Even in our deep sorrow, we can still praise God. Yes, it’s hard, but the first step to finding joy during our hardship is giving all of it to him. God wants all of us—he wants our praise, our sorrow, and our questions. He wants our honesty. The psalmist doesn’t hide his feelings from God. He could have easily omitted the parts about his tears and downheartedness, but he gives it to God. God asks the same of us. He doesn’t only expect us to yearn for his presence, but to also share our agony with him.
Our conversation with God shouldn’t end in a lament. God’s faithfulness is everlasting (Ps. 42:7-8). We can praise him for what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do in the midst of our trouble. Don’t stop desiring to be close to him. Even in our darkest moments, God wants us to come to him. Today, remember God’s faithfulness and recognize that although our souls may be downcast, we can still put our hope and trust in God.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.