Hope in the Storm
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To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.
1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks,
So panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night,
While they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me:
For I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept holyday.
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.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me:
Therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts:
All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9 I will say unto God my rock, why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10 As with a sword in my bones,
Mine enemies reproach me;
While they say daily unto me,
Where is thy God?
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.
Hope in the Storm
David evokes a sweet, tender image of a heart longing after God as if it is panting after water to satisfy its thirst. “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God” (v.2). He asks if he will appear before God. His heart’s desire is to be in His presence. His enemies ask, “Where is thy God?” (v.3). David fondly and joyfully recalls praising God with the multitude that kept holyday. Obviously, these were far better times for David. Now, his soul is disquieted and cast down. Still, he shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Even in times of despair, David always declares his hope is in the Lord. When his soul is cast down within, he remembers the blessings of the Lord. He recalls his deliverance from the Hermonites.
David beautifully speaks of the Lord’s loving kindness in the daytime and “in the night, his song shall be with me” (v.8). Although God is his rock, he still questions “why hast thou forgotten me?”(v.9) as he still suffers under the oppression of the enemy. Again, they taunt him, asking, where is thy God? David asks himself, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” (v.11). And once again, David reminds his soul to “hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him” (v.11). David’s countenance appears healthy, not downtrodden, because God is his help and his God.
Recently, I was hospitalized for several days. It was a time of pain, confusion and uncertainty. Like David, I cried out to the lord for his comfort and presence. I put my faith and hope in the healing power of Jesus, knowing and recalling the many times he has healed me before. I felt the Spirit’s comforting peace throughout the long, dark nights. I never stopped praising God for who he is and all I know he can do. I thank god that I am healed today.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Elizabeth Expands:
Matschil is a word we’ve heard before. Read about it in Forgiveness. The sons of Korah, however, are new to our cast in the dedication of psalms. Korah was a rebel among the early Israelites, a man of the tribe of Levi who was dissatisfied with his role and the perceived dishonor of it in serving the Lord. His story is in Numbers 16. However, when God killed Korah for his sin, He left alive Korah’s descendants, working to make something great. The prophet Samuel was one of these, and the sons of Korah collectively refer to others. These specifically named in the psalm were remarkable for their talent with music and crafting praise to the Lord. It is debatable whether this Psalm was written by the sons of Korah, or merely dedicated to them. Either way, it is clear that it was written by someone with a heart for God, bringing praise and glory to Him.
Meet Elizabeth Baber
Elizabeth Baber is the latest addition to the Debra Hill Sings team, working as the head Virtual Assistant for the wonderful woman herself. Elizabeth would identify as an author(ess), spreadsheet fanatic, and all-around geek. The majority of her time is spent serving Central Virginia’s low-vision patients as a technician with the MedRVA Foundation.
When not at work, she can be found cooking with her fiancé, coaching Teen Bible Quizzing, wrestling novel ideas, running an online Dungeons and Dragons server, or trying her hand at one of a hundred rotating crafting hobbies.
Some of her work can be found on her website: www.writingonwords.com and you can contact her at elizabeth@writingonwords.com.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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