Psalms 43:5

Commentary on Psalms 43:5 (KJV)

Psalms 43:5 is a powerful verse that captures the essence of spiritual struggle and the triumph of faith over despair. It's a deeply personal dialogue, where the psalmist addresses his own soul, challenging its despondency and redirecting it towards God. This verse is identical to Psalms 42:5 and Psalms 42:11, indicating a recurring theme of self-exhortation within this poetic lament often considered a single unit (Psalms 42-43).

Context

Psalms 43 is a continuation of the themes found in Psalms 42, expressing the psalmist's deep distress, longing for God's presence, and separation from the temple in Jerusalem. He is likely in exile or facing severe oppression, feeling abandoned by God and tormented by his enemies. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the psalmist consistently brings himself back to a posture of hope and trust in God, even when his emotions are in turmoil. The psalm begins with a prayer for deliverance and judgment against the ungodly, leading to this concluding affirmation of faith.

Key Themes

• Inner Dialogue and Self-Exhortation: The psalmist engages in a profound conversation with his own soul, questioning its sadness and agitation. This highlights the importance of directing one's own thoughts and emotions towards truth, rather than being consumed by them. It's a model for confronting inner turmoil.
• Hope in God: Amidst profound despair, the central command is "hope in God." This isn't a passive wish but an active decision to place trust and expectation in the Lord. It's a declaration of faith that transcends current circumstances, looking forward to future deliverance and praise.
• God as the Source of Restoration: The phrase "the health of my countenance" is a beautiful and evocative description of God. It implies that God is the source of physical well-being, visible joy, and restored confidence. When God acts, it is not just an internal change but one that is evident to others, bringing light back to a downcast face. He is the ultimate healer and restorer of joy, making the face shine with His presence.
• Certainty of Future Praise: Despite present sorrow, the psalmist declares, "for I shall yet praise him." This is a confident anticipation of a time when the current distress will pass, and God's faithfulness will be evident, leading to thanksgiving and worship. This resolve to praise God even before deliverance arrives is a hallmark of strong faith.

Linguistic Insights

• "Cast down" (Hebrew: shachah - שָׁחָה): This word literally means "to bow down," "to sink low," or "to be depressed." It vividly portrays the physical and emotional state of despair, where one feels weighed down and unable to stand tall.
• "Disquieted" (Hebrew: hamah - הָמָה): This term means "to be in an uproar," "to rage," or "to be agitated." It speaks to the inner turmoil, the restless and noisy anxiety that plagues the soul.
• "Health of my countenance" (Hebrew: yeshu'ah panim - יְשׁוּעוֹת פָּנָיו): The word yeshu'ah means "salvation" or "deliverance." The phrase "salvation of my face/countenance" profoundly suggests that God's deliverance will be so complete and evident that it will literally change the psalmist's appearance, bringing back joy and peace to his face. It is a visible manifestation of inner healing and God's saving power. God is not just the source of salvation, but the very visible expression of it in one's life.

Practical Application

Psalms 43:5 offers timeless wisdom for anyone wrestling with feelings of despair, anxiety, or depression.

• Acknowledge and Address Your Soul: It's healthy and biblical to confront your inner emotions. Don't let despair fester silently. Speak to your soul, as the psalmist does, and question its negative state.
• Direct Your Hope to God: When overwhelmed, actively choose to place your hope not in circumstances, solutions, or other people, but in God alone. This is an act of faith that can transform your perspective, as seen in Romans 15:13, which speaks of the God of hope.
• Anticipate God's Restoration: Understand that God desires not only your spiritual well-being but also your visible restoration. He is the one who can lift your head, restore your joy, and make your countenance shine again. This visible restoration is a testament to His saving power, much like Psalms 27:1 declares the Lord as the strength of one's life.
• Embrace Future Praise: Even in the darkest moments, hold onto the certainty that there will be a day when you will praise God for His faithfulness. This future hope can sustain you through present trials and motivate you to persevere.