No cry is more harrowing than that of a parched soul, dislocated from God, yearning for the satisfaction of reconnection with him. Psalm 42 conveys the desperation of a person in that very state. In it, the Psalmist scratches out his words from a place of utter spiritual depression. Starved of spiritual sustenance, he is gripped by the despair of lifelessness. He craves God—the living God—to restore him.

But even in that low state, he questions and sets a challenge for himself “Why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” As forlorn as he is, hope remains. His current circumstance may be bleak, but it’s not eternal. His soul can gain courage by looking to the future, knowing God is a Saviour.

History confirms God’s faithfulness. He never forgets his people or his promise. Despite their rebellion, God will always return to the repentant. He has saved; he will save. His word testifies to his unceasing love.

And so, even in the dark night of the soul—when we can see nothing around us or ahead of us, and when powerlessness and futility seem to be our only companions—even then, God’s song can sound in our ears, and his word can be his presence to us. Like a lullaby that calms a fearful child, so God’s word can settle our souls in times of desperate uncertainty.