Asking God 'Why?'

In moments of despair, the question "why" inevitably arises. The sons of Korah express this sentiment beautifully in Psalm 42:9, stating, "I say to God my Rock, 'Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?'"

We may find ourselves questioning whether God has forsaken us during our trials. Like the psalmist, we might cry, "How long must I wrestle with anguish in my soul and have sorrow in my heart?" (Psalm 13:2). In these emotional fogs, it can feel as though God has abandoned us.

Though we must be mindful of our words, God fully comprehends the chaos of our emotions (Psalm 103:14). The psalms encourage us to honestly pour out our hearts to God as we navigate through pain (Psalm 62:8). We can present our raw, unfiltered feelings before Him.

Expressing our 'why' is not inherently sinful; rather, it is a heartfelt expression from a wounded soul seeking transparency before God. The psalmists exemplify the power of bringing genuine, unrefined prayers to God’s throne.

Affirming God's Everlasting Love

While God may appear distant at times, His love remains unwavering. The Korahites remind us of this truth even in their darkest moments: "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me" (Psalm 42:8).

In the face of adversity, we too can declare the gospel truths amidst the confusion: "If God is for us, who can be against us?... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Rom. 8:31, 35).

Just as an anchor steadies a ship during a storm, God's unchanging love provides stability, regardless of our emotional state. By acknowledging this truth, we can hold onto the reality of His love even when depression threatens to overwhelm us.

Spiritual Depression in the Psalms - John Piper discusses how the Psalms offer wisdom and solace for those grappling with spiritual depression, providing insights into the emotional struggles faced in faith.

Singing Prayerful Melodies

Music possesses a profound ability to influence our emotions. Although the Korahites battled feelings of despondency, they still sang prayers, imploring: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God!" (Ps. 42:5).

Numerous psalms provide words for our own prayers during our darkest hours: "How long must I wrestle with anguish in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all day long?" (Psalm 13:2). Singing scripture allows us to articulate both truth and emotion before God.

Through song, we externalize our inner struggles, laying them before the Lord. Hearing the truths of the gospel resonate through lyrics and melodies can be a powerful balm for our souls. Even in the prolonged night, we can sing our prayers, anticipating the joy that dawn will bring.

Preaching Truth to Our Inner Selves

In addition to singing, the psalmists actively preached the gospel to their own hearts. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God!" (Ps. 42:5, 11).

We, too, can counteract the lies of despair by affirming God's promises: "I am convinced that neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:38–39).

Reminding ourselves of the truth combats the false narratives the enemy whispers into our minds. Even when clouds obscure the sun, the sky remains blue beyond that haze. God's unwavering love pierces through our darkest nights.

Remembering God's Faithfulness

During trying times, recalling previous joys can help keep hope alive. The psalmists remember leading worship with jubilant songs (Ps. 42:4).

By reminding ourselves of God's past faithfulness, we can rekindle hope for the future: "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago" (Psalm 77:11).

We can recount specific instances when God intervened: that retreat where His presence enveloped us, that prayer answered after a long wait, the friend who reached out just when we needed it most. Remembering these moments can revive our hearts and inspire renewed hope in God.

Thirsting for God Above All

What stands out most is the psalmists' unyielding thirst for God: "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" (Psalm 42:2).

Despite their struggles, they craved not just relief but a deeper relationship with God (Psalm 42:2). Their longing points us toward the living waters found only in Christ (John 4:13–14).

Our deepest yearning is not merely for our circumstances to shift, but to intimately know the One who governs our lives. We thirst for more than just what God offers; we desire to know Him—our loving, powerful, and ever-present Father. As we experience His goodness, joy can rise even amidst desolation.

The Psalms serve as a beacon of light on our journey, illuminating the path even through the darkest valleys. May we emerge from spiritual depression with an insatiable thirst to encounter the face of God in Jesus Christ.

A Psalm for Spiritual Depression - This video explores how the psalms can guide us through spiritual struggles, offering hope and direction in times of despair.