The final verse in Psalm 42 is an exact repeat of a verse that appears in the center of the Psalm:

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
Psalm 42:11

The same words are in verse 5.

In the Psalms, repetition is used for emphasis. The rhetorical question, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted?” is the central issue addressed by the Psalm. We so often allow ourselves to be “cast down,” but why? We have a God who loves and forgives us and who is ever at work for our good! So the Psalm would move us from disquiet to faith, from discouragement to a sure hope. The phrase, “I shall again praise Him,” is a good directive for our spiritual life. As we lift our spirits to God in praise, we have the assurance of God’s care, and we become ever more receptive to God’s saving help.

Prayer – We praise You, O God, giving thanks for Your wondrous grace and Your everlasting promises. Click To Tweet

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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.