Psalm 43 is an echo of Psalm 42. It contains the same basic cry and even uses the same
words. "Why are you downcast, O my soul, why so disturbed within me? " We have
to ask ourselves why would they be? Was is an editor's mistake? Did David forget he just wrote on that theme?
I don't think this is the case. I believe in this double, or mirror, psalm. God and David
are saying something to us.
1) Depression doesn't last just one day. It is often a prolonged haunting of the soul.
2) We can't give up because God didn't answer on the first ring. Try again. Persist. Prevail. Pray and pray again.
Finally, in both Psalms, David applies a remedy to his depression. The remedy is always
the same -- Praise the Lord! God has not changed when you are feeling depressed. God is the same. His promises have not been rescinded. He did not go away on a long vacation. He has not turned his back on you. Believe it and say it out loud as David did.
It is as light in a dark place - enough rays and the darkness will disappear.
New King James Bible, Bible Gateway Index
Our Devotional Index