Study Questions for August 17, 2025

Note: The simplest description of the five collections that give us the Psalms is that they were the inspired prayer-and-praise book of Israel. Many scholars believe that Psalms 42-43 (the beginning of Book Two) were meant to be one Psalm.  Read through both and see if you can determine the connection with each other. Our focus will remain on Psalm 42.

1. In Psalm 42:1-2, the psalmist compares his longing for God to a deer panting for water. What does this illustration reveal about the psalmist’s spiritual condition, and how can you relate this to your own experiences of longing for God?

2. The psalmist expresses feelings of despair and being overwhelmed in verses 5-7. What specific struggles does the psalmist mention, and how does he respond to these feelings? How can we apply this response to our own moments of discouragement?

3. In verse 8, the psalmist speaks of God’s love and singing songs of praise at night. How does this contrast with the earlier expressions of sorrow? What does this teach us about balancing honest lament with trust in God’s steadfast love?

4. The refrain in verses 5 and 11, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” appears twice (and a third time in 43:5.)  Why do you think the psalmist repeats this, and how can this practice of self-reminding help us in our faith?

5. In verse 9, the psalmist questions why God has forgotten him while facing oppression. How does this honest questioning reflect a relationship with God?   How does Jesus apply this Psalm in the experience of betrayal and crucifixion? How can we approach God with similar honesty in our prayers during difficult times?