Human emotions are so unpredictable. One morning we wake up feeling on top of the world; the next morning we are at the bottom of the pit emotionally. David discusses these feelings in this psalm. It appears this period of depression happened when David was at the height of his career; David had been king for a number of years, he had united the kingdom, defeated some of his enemies, and brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and established the place of worship. This should have been a time of mountaintop emotions for David, but it was just the opposite.
David describes his feelings openly. In verses 3,9, and 10, he mentions the external problem, his enemies taunt him with questions of “where is this God of yours”. This is a common problem young people face today in our schools and colleges as well as other activities like witnessing about our faith. David writes about his internal feelings where he says, “day and night I have only tears for food”; twice he says, “why am I discouraged! Why is my heart so sad?” He states, “my heart is breaking as I remember how it use to be”.
What can you do when you feel so low? Some people sleep, some overeat, some use drugs or alcohol. David had the best solution; he spent his time remembering how good God is, praying to Him, and praising Him. “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God!” Verse 1. “I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!” Verses 5 & 6. “But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.” Verse 8. “I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God.” Verse 11. The answer is to remember and praise God. Dwelling on what is wrong only brings more depression; praising God is faith in the God who is able to deliver. Sometimes the answer comes quickly while other times it may take years. It is up to us to exercise our faith.