FEBRUARY 27
Psalm 42
Psalm 42:5, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Do you ever talk to yourself? What do you say? The psalmist asked his soul a question, then gave himself advice. His troubles were sourced in the deep sorrow he was experiencing. Sorrow is universal; even the most spiritual are not exempt, as seen throughout Scripture and church history. It comes to us in a variety of ways and for a host of reasons.
The Sons of Korah served as musicians in temple worship. Many believe this Psalm reflects their sorrow as they accompanied King David during his flight from Jerusalem due to his son Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15). As they left, they mourned their exile from their home (Psalm 42:5).
The Psalmist’s sorrow stems from several sources. He longs for God as a deer longs for water, but feels distant from Him (Psalm 42:1, 9). He is far from the temple, which once brought him joy (Psalm 42:4, 5b). Facing relentless trials, he feels overwhelmed by troubles and the mocking of his enemies, who ask, “Where is your God?” His tears have become his food, and he is broken-hearted.
Many can relate to the Psalmist’s feelings of despondency and sorrow. Have you ever felt so low that the only prayer is “help”? Yet, amidst this, the Psalmist speaks of hope. He talks to his soul, asking, “Why?” and directs his focus toward God. The repeated refrain, “Hope in God,” shifts his thoughts from despair to trust in God. As Charles Spurgeon has noted, “God is faithful, God is love, therefore there is room and reason for hope.”
The Psalmist reminds us that in times of sorrow, focusing on God’s unchanging nature and His promises offers hope. Despite life’s ups and downs, God remains our constant Rock. We do well to yearn even more for him, as a deer pants for flowing streams (Psalm 42:1), even as A. W. Tozer has prayed: “I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still.”
“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.” — Corrie Ten Boom
Application Questions: What kind of things bring you sorrow? The psalmist’s sorrow had to do with losing access to temple worship. Do you yearn for a closer fellowship with God? Ask God to make you more thirsty for Him.
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
View all posts by looking2jesus13
LookingtoJesus 