Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 43 – Turning depression into exultation

Psalm 43 – Turning depression into exultation

(Written by Phillips Koh)

Several tell tale signs indicate that the author, King David, is depressed: oppression (v.2), a gloomy spirit and constant inner turmoil (v. 5).  Now what precipitated this depression? 

David had become an exile when his son Absalom usurped his throne.  David’s method of dealing with adversity is to invoke God to be his vindicator (v. 1).  Why not do the same here instead of allowing vengeful thoughts to dominate our hearts?

David took some practical steps to overcome depression.  He immediately sought for guidance from God’s light (v.3).  Like David, have we made God’s Word to become a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path each day?

Next, David decided to delight in God (v.4).  Rejoicing in God is a powerful antidote for alleviating depression.  Likewise Paul too during his imprisonment: “Rejoice in the Lord, and again I say rejoice (Philippians 4:4).” Do we seek to emulate Paul here?

Then David placed all his hope in God (v. 5).  Now hope is a powerful force in personal endurance.  For instance, a person who gives up all hope will capitulate much faster to a terminal illnesss.  How much does Christian hope inspire us to persevere through grievous afflictions?

Finally David surmounted his depression by remembering God the Saviour with deep gratitude (v.5). We too have a wonderful Saviour in Jesus who died on the Cross for our sins.   

Let’s Read Psalm 43

1 

Vindicate me, my God,
    and plead my cause
    against an unfaithful nation.
Rescue me from those who are
    deceitful and wicked.
2 You are God my stronghold.
    Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
    oppressed by the enemy?
3 Send me your light and your faithful care,
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
    to the place where you dwell.
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the lyre,
    O God, my God.

5 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.

Let’s Pray,

Heavenly Father, thank you for the spiritual antidote for depression in Psalm 43. Help us to make full use of it. In the Name of Jesus.  Amen.