Psalms 42:5
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
What it says
The psalmist asks his soul why it is downcast and commands it to hope in God for future praise.
What it is doing
This verse is the first refrain of self-directed faith.
In context
1For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. 2My soul thirsts for God, the living God. 3My tears have been my food 4These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: 5Why are you downcast, O my soul? 6O my God, my soul despairs within me. 7Deep calls to deep 8The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, 9I say to God my Rock, 10Like the crushing of my bones, 11Why are you downcast, O my soul?