What is Our Hope? ~ Psalm 42:1-11
Pastor John Opferman
11:00 AM
October 6, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Opening the sermon with reflection on the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour."
A hymn of deep dependence on God, mirroring the sentiments expressed in Psalm 42.
Introduction to Psalm 42, where David is crying out to God in a moment of deep despair.
Invite the congregation to read the full Psalm 42, with special attention to verses 5 and 11, which repeat a crucial phrase of hope.
Introduction to the context of Psalm 42.
David’s circumstances, possibly fleeing from King Saul or during a time of exile.
A period of feeling abandoned by God and isolated from His presence.
Reflection on how David’s enemies mocked him, questioning "Where is your God?" (Psalm 42:3).
Today, we face similar moments when our faith is challenged, and God seems distant.
David’s Deep Longing for God (Psalm 42:1-3)
The vivid image of the deer panting for water:
Represents a deep, soul-thirst for God in the midst of spiritual drought.
David’s desire to experience the presence of the living God, especially in his moment of trial.
The question of God's presence in times of despair:
David’s tears are his sustenance, symbolizing the depth of his sorrow and grief.
His soul thirsts for God, longing to return to the place of worship and communion.
The external voices questioning his faith:
"Where is your God?"—David’s enemies mock him, amplifying his internal struggle.
This mockery leads to deeper introspection and the beginning of a spiritual dialogue within himself.
David’s Internal Dialogue (Psalm 42:5 & 11)
David questions his own soul:
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul?"—David speaks directly to his soul, reflecting on why he feels such deep despair.
The tension between faith and emotion is evident as David wrestles with his feelings.
A call to hope in God:
"Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him"—Despite his circumstances, David reaffirms his faith in God’s eventual deliverance.
Hope becomes the anchor that holds David steady through his trials.
Repetition of the soul’s cry in verse 11:
The repeated phrase shows that this is not a one-time struggle but an ongoing process of battling despair and clinging to hope.
The Role of Memory in Faith (Psalm 42:4-6)
David recalls past experiences of worship and joy:
"For I had gone with the multitude... to the house of God"—David remembers the times he worshiped joyfully with others.
This memory serves as a source of comfort, even as he feels isolated in the present.
The importance of remembering God's faithfulness in difficult times:
David remembers the land of Jordan and the hills of Hermon, significant places where God had been present in his life.
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness strengthens our ability to hope in the midst of trials.
The Overwhelming Waves of Life (Psalm 42:7)
The metaphor of "deep calling unto deep":
David feels overwhelmed, as though waves and billows are crashing over him, symbolizing the intensity of his struggles.
This vivid imagery conveys the feeling of drowning in troubles and the sense that one is being swept away by life's difficulties.
Yet, in the midst of the overwhelming waves, God’s presence remains:
Even though David feels overwhelmed, he holds on to the belief that God’s presence is still with him, though it may seem hidden for a time.
God's Lovingkindness and Song in the Night (Psalm 42:8)
God's lovingkindness during the day:
David trusts that despite his current despair, God will command His lovingkindness during the daytime.
This lovingkindness is a source of comfort and assurance that God has not abandoned him.
God’s song in the night:
Even in the darkest moments, God gives David a song, a reminder of His presence and faithfulness.
Nighttime represents the most difficult hours, yet God provides comfort through a song that lifts David’s spirit.
Hope Restored Through Faith in God (Psalm 42:11)
The power of hope in God:
"Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him"—This refrain signals the turning point in David’s struggle.
Despite his feelings of abandonment, David chooses to place his hope in God, confident that praise will return to his lips.
Trust in God's ultimate deliverance:
David’s hope is not based on immediate circumstances but on the character and faithfulness of God.
His confidence in God’s deliverance helps him endure the present trial, knowing that God’s help is coming.
Closing Reflections on Psalm 42
Encouragement to hope in God:
Just as David repeatedly calls his soul to hope in God, we too must remind ourselves to trust in God's faithfulness, even when we feel abandoned.
Recognizing the ebb and flow of faith:
Psalm 42 teaches us that faith is not a straight line but involves moments of doubt, despair, and renewal.
In times of spiritual drought, our greatest comfort comes from placing our hope in God, who is constant and unchanging.
The promise of praise:
Like David, we can trust that even in our darkest moments, there will come a time when our soul will once again sing the praises of God.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His presence even in our times of struggle and despair.
Ask for renewed hope in Him, especially for those who feel distant from God at this time.
Biblical Application
Psalm 42:1 – "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
Psalm 42:2 – "My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?"
Psalm 42:3 – "My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?"
Psalm 42:5 – "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."
Psalm 42:11 – "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 46:1 – "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
1 Corinthians 13:13 – "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
Hebrews 11:6 – "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Titus 1:2 – "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began."
1 Corinthians 15:19 – "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
Philippians 1:20 – "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."
Job 19:25 – "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."
1 John 3:2 – "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
Titus 2:13 – "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
Reflection Questions
How do you respond when you feel distant from God, like the psalmist in Psalm 42? Do you pour out your soul to Him, or do you allow the feeling of separation to deepen?
Reflect on how you can bring your emotions before God even when He feels far away.
In moments of despair, do you, like David, remind your soul to place hope in God? How can you make a practice of speaking truth to yourself when your emotions are overwhelming?
Consider practical ways to apply the psalmist’s method of self-reflection and encouragement.
Psalm 42 describes a deep longing for God's presence. When have you experienced this kind of spiritual thirst? How did you seek to satisfy it?
Reflect on the importance of staying spiritually connected and where you find true fulfillment.
When life’s challenges feel like overwhelming waves, how do you hold on to the promise of God’s lovingkindness and care? How does remembering His past faithfulness help you in the present?
Think about how you can keep your focus on God’s character even when circumstances seem insurmountable.
David repeatedly asks his soul, "Why art thou cast down?" How can you incorporate this kind of soul-searching into your daily walk with God, ensuring that your hope remains fixed on Him?
Reflect on how regularly questioning and encouraging your own heart can strengthen your faith journey.
Daily Activities
Daily Reflection on God's Presence
Activity: Set aside 10-15 minutes each morning to read Psalm 42 and reflect on moments when you’ve felt distant from God. Write down your thoughts and express your need for Him in a prayer journal.
Application: This will help you build a daily habit of bringing your soul's needs to God and recognizing His presence, no matter your circumstances.
Create a Personal "Hope Journal"
Activity: Start a journal where you document struggles, doubts, and moments of despair. Write down how you are choosing to place your hope in God through those challenges and record how God provides.
Application: By intentionally recording how God works in your life, you can refer back to these entries as encouragement and reminders of God's faithfulness during future trials.
Praise in the Storm Playlist
Activity: Create a playlist of worship songs that focus on trusting God through difficult times (e.g., "I Need Thee Every Hour," "It is Well with My Soul"). Listen to this playlist whenever you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Application: Listening to worship helps to refocus your mind and spirit on praising God, reinforcing your hope in Him rather than dwelling on negative circumstances.
Memory Verses for Hope
Activity: Memorize Psalm 42:5 and 42:11, where David speaks to his soul about placing hope in God. Repeat these verses whenever you feel discouraged or disheartened.
Application: Memorizing and reciting scripture will help you actively combat feelings of despair by reminding yourself of the truth and hope found in God's Word.
Encourage Someone Facing Trials
Activity: Reach out to someone you know who is struggling. Share a verse from Psalm 42 with them and offer to pray for them. Check in regularly to offer ongoing encouragement.
Application: By offering encouragement rooted in scripture, you not only uplift others but also reinforce your own understanding of hope and faith in God through challenging times.
Set a "Hope Reminder" for Daily Praise
Activity: Set a daily alarm or reminder on your phone labeled "Hope in God" to go off at a specific time each day. When the reminder goes off, pause for a moment of praise and thank God for His presence in your life, even in difficult circumstances.
Application: This practice will help you incorporate moments of praise and reflection into your daily routine, building a rhythm of hope that keeps your focus on God throughout the day.
