Bible Verse
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 (KJV)
My Story
Sarah Elizabeth and I both co-taught a class of two-year-olds in the seminary’s early childhood learning center. We weren’t just coworkers, we were friends. She and my wife attended aerobics together and became friends as well.
She who loved spending time in nature. Before seminary, she would often go on hikes and spend hours exploring the forests near her home back in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She found that being in nature helped her connect with God and find peace in her heart.
She shared with me that one day, while hiking in the mountains, she came across a rushing river. As she stood on the bank and watched the water flow by, she felt a sense of awe and wonder at the power and beauty of nature. She followed the river upstream, curious to see where it would lead.
As she walked along the bank, she came across a section where the water looked smooth as a glass window. She could see the rocks and pebbles at the bottom of the riverbed, and she noticed something shiny caught in between the rocks. She reached in and pulled out a small, smooth stone that sparkled in the sunlight.
Sarah Elizabeth held the stone in her hand and felt a sense of joy and gratitude. She felt as if God had given her a gift, a small reminder of His love and presence in her life. She thought of the words of Psalm 42:11: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Sarah Elizabeth viewed the stone as a symbol of hope and faith.
Just as the stone hid among the rocks in the riverbed, sometimes hope and faith can hide during our struggles and challenges.
She found the stone and held onto it as a symbol of her faith.
As Sarah Elizabeth continued on her hike. She thought about how Psalm 42:11 applied to life. Living through a difficult time, feeling overwhelmed with college and her part-time job, she struggled to find balance in her life. But holding onto the stone reminded her that even during her struggles, God was with her and would help her through.
She felt peace knowing she could put her hope in God. She trusted He would guide her through challenges.
Sarah Elizabeth praised God for her renewed faith.
In her heart, she knew He would never leave her or forsake her.
As Sarah Elizabeth reached the end of her hike and returned home, she kept the stone with her as a reminder of the lesson she had learned. She knew that life would have its difficulties, but she also knew that she could put her hope in God and trust that He would never fail her.
She took the small stone from her purse and showed it to me. I carry it with me as a reminder of God’s abiding presence.
“When I’m feeling down or blue, I hold it in my hand as a reminder to keep my hope in God.” And with that knowledge, she said she felt a sense of joy and hope that filled her heart, just like the glittering stone filled her hand.
Who wrote Psalm 42:11 and when was it written?
The psalmist of the Sons of Korah wrote Psalm 42:11. The Sons of Korah were a group of Levitical singers who led worship in the Temple of Jerusalem during the time of King David and King Solomon.
Scholars are uncertain about the exact date of the writing of Psalm 42:11. People believe ancient Israelites compiled and edited the psalms over a period of several centuries, with some dating back to the time of Moses and others written during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC. Scholars classify Psalm 42 as one of the “psalms of lament,” which express feelings of sadness and distress, and they have suggested that they wrote it during a time of national crisis or personal struggle.
What is the meaning of Psalm 42:11?
Psalm 42:11 is a verse from the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of sacred songs and prayers that form part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The verse reads:
“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 and my God.”
We often interpret this verse as a call to trust in God even in difficult times, and to find comfort and hope, knowing that God will provide salvation. The speaker of the psalm is expressing feelings of sadness and turmoil, but also acknowledges that they will once again find joy in praising God. The verse is a reminder to believers that even in the darkest of times, they can turn to God for comfort and hope.
What does “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God:” mean?
Psalm 42:11 is part of a psalm attributed to the sons of Korah, and it expresses a longing for God’s presence. It declares the hopeless encountered without God’s presence.
The line “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?” is a rhetorical question the psalmist asks himself to express his inner turmoil and sadness. He is asking himself why he is feeling so down and restless within his own soul.
We can interpret this line as the psalmist’s struggles with doubt and despair, which are common themes throughout the book of Psalms. We can also see it as a reminder to turn to God for comfort and strength, as the psalmist does later in the verse by encouraging himself to place his hope in God.
Overall, the line conveys a sense of emotional turmoil and a longing for spiritual comfort and reassurance. It serves as a reminder that even in times of difficulty, we can turn to God for guidance and support.
What does “for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” mean?
Psalm 42:11 is a verse from a psalm of lament, where the psalmist expresses his deep longing for God during his distress. The verse reads:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
In this verse, the psalmist is reminding himself to hope in God and trust in His goodness, despite his current struggles. The phrase “the health of my countenance” refers to God as the source of the psalmist’s well-being and vitality. By praising God, the psalmist affirms his faith that God can restore his joy and peace, even in difficult times.
Overall, this verse expresses the psalmist’s confidence in God’s power to bring him through his troubles and restore him to a place of wholeness and happiness.
What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 42:11 (KJV, NIV & ESV)
- Psalm 42:11 KJV biblical translation says:
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 42:11 KJV
- Psalm 42:11 NIV biblical translation says:
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11 NIV
- Psalm 42:11 ESV biblical translation says:
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 and my God.
Psalm 42:11 ESV
How does Psalm 42:11 give encouragement?
Psalm 42:11 says, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
This verse provides encouragement by reminding the reader to trust in God and to put their hope in Him, even in difficult times discouraged and blue. The psalmist is acknowledging their feelings of sadness and discouragement, but they are also reminding themselves and the reader that God is their Savior and their source of hope.
The phrase “for I will yet praise him” suggests that the psalmist is hopeful that their situation will improve, and that they will have reason to praise God again in the future. This can be encouraging to readers who are going through difficult times, as it reminds them that their current situation is not permanent and that they too can have hope for a better future.
Overall, Psalm 42:11 encourages readers to turn to God and to trust in Him, even in times of trouble, and to have hope for a better future.
How can I apply Psalm 42:11 to my life?
This verse encourages us to take our focus off of our troubles and instead put our hope in God. When we feel downcast or disturbed, we can choose to turn to God and trust in His goodness and faithfulness.
To apply this verse to your life, you can start by reflecting on any areas where you might be feeling downcast or disturbed. Maybe you are struggling with a difficult situation at work or in your personal life. Perhaps you are dealing with feelings of anxiety or uncertainty about the future.
Whatever the situation may be, take some time to pause and turn your attention to God. Pray for His guidance, wisdom, and peace. Trust that He is in control and that He has a plan for your life, even if you can’t see it right now.
As you shift your focus from your problems to God, you can experience a sense of hope and peace that transcends your circumstances. You can also find comfort in knowing that you have a Savior who loves you and is with you every step of the way.
A model or example prayer using Psalm 42:11
Here is a model or example of prayer using Psalm 42:11:
Dear God,
As I come to you today, I feel downcast and disturbed, just like the psalmist in Psalm 42. Yet I know you are my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, and that you are always with me, even during my troubles. So I lift my eyes to you and say,
Why is my soul, are you downcast? Why am I so disturbed? I put my hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Help me, Lord, to put my hope in you and to trust in your goodness and faithfulness, even when my feelings and circumstances pull me down. Fill me with your peace and joy, and remind me of your promises and your love. Help me to praise you in the midst of my trials, knowing that you are with me and that you will never leave me or forsake me.
Thank you, Lord, for your grace and your mercy, and for the hope that you give me through your Son, Jesus Christ. May we praise forever your name, and may my life be a testimony to your greatness and your goodness.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Conclusion:
Having a case of the blues or being down is normal.
It is at those times we need to turn to God.
If the blues or depression continues to be an issue, seek medical help as depression could be a cause.
Remember, there is hope, and your hope is in God.
Today’s article is from the forthcoming book: “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Three” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023
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I love when God gives me little signs that He is with me. They encourage my heart so much. I keep several such special gifts around my house to remind myself I am never alone
Jimmie, this is a great verse to discuss. I especially love the wisdom you share to apply it to our own situations. Thank you!
Jimmie, thank you for exploring this verse which reminds us we can trust God in all circumstances. I appreciate this reminder: “Trust that He is in control and that He has a plan for your life, even if you can’t see it right now.”
While we “know” our God is always faithful and trustworthy, sometimes when we sink into despair we need a reminder. Thank you for your message of hope, Jimmie.