Psalm 42-43

Order of Service

• Scripture Reading — Psalm 42–43
• Sermon

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Sermon Title: How to Deal with Darkness and Despair

Scripture: Psalm 42–43

I. Introduction: Understanding the Structure of the Psalm

A. Psalms 42 and 43 form a single unit with three stanzas, each ending in the same refrain

• Refrain: Psalm 42:5 — "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God"

B. The psalm was at some point divided, but all interpreters recognize it as one poem

C. The psalm addresses how to deal with being downcast, despondent, in despair, and in spiritual darkness

1. This is a universal human experience — every believer will need this psalm
2. It is one of the most famous, beautiful, practical, and wise psalms on the subject of dark times

D. The preacher was first introduced to this psalm through a sermon by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, which he read while in theological school