Psalm 42 Theme of the psalm is the repeated question: “Why are you in despair, o my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?” vs. 5, 11

Authors of Psalm 42: Sons of Korah Korah wasn’t satisfied with his role in God’s service and he led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron Num 16:1-3 Korah and all the rebellious swallowed up by the ground Num 16:28-33 Sons of Korah did not die Num 26:9-11 Wrote during and after Judah’s Captivity in Babylon Ps 84:2-3; 85:1-3; Singers 1 Chron 9:33

How the Godly Handle Despair Psalms 42

How the Godly Handle Despair Intensity of God’s* trial 7 o As loud as the echo of a waterfall o As constant as waves pounding the shore one after another * Heb 12:4-6; 11-12; Js 1:2-4

How the Godly Handle Despair Enemies Make a Bad Situation Worse o Say all day long, “Where is your God?”* 3, 10 o Revile with effect of “the shattering of bones” 10 *Our enemy’s (Satan’s) goal: Job 1:11; 2:5

How the Godly Handle Despair Intensity of the despair: 3 “My tears have been my food day and night” o tears for breakfast o tears for lunch o tears for supper o tears for a midnight snack

How the Godly Handle Despair How Low Can the Godly Go?* 9 “I will say to God, my Rock, why have you forgotten me?” Despair, questioning; not loss of faith- My Rock! “God, I’ve had all that I can take. Where are You?” * Compare Psalm 88, questioning, no answer yet given.

How the Godly Handle Despair o Respond with intense desire for God, longing to worship Him 1-2 o Remember joyful times of thanksgiving 4-5 o Remember God from where they are at 6 lovingkindness (steadfast love) in the daytime 8 song and prayer in the night 8 o Let God help their countenance 11