Salvation of my Countenance

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

Psalm 42:11

There are occasions in the book of Psalms David gave himself a pep talk, rousing himself from a spiritual malaise brought on by a combination of factors.  The circumstances of David's life, how he was feeling and stress from enemies who rose against him contributed to David being downcast.  Everyone can relate to this, for disappointments and hardships are sure to come.

The way people are feeling is often expressed in the face, and David's soul--his entire being--was cast down and troubled.  David knew the divine remedy for his depression was to put his hope and trust in God.  This would work to shift his perspective from David's problems to his God, from feelings of hopelessness and failure to his glorious Saviour.  In light of God's goodness, glory and power, ought not David's countenance reflect it with gladness rather than gloom?  But David realised he was downcast, so he reminded himself of God's praiseworthiness and His salvation.

The KJV I read this morning reads, "...the health of my countenance."  The Hebrew word translated "help" and "health" is defined "help, salvation, acts of salvation" in the Strong's Concordance.  The Bible connects the appearance of a person's countenance with light, lightning, even the sun shining in its strength.  The priestly blessing in Numbers 6:26 says, "The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."  David requested God's favour in Psalm 4:6:  "There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us."  Knowing God looked upon His people with grace, salvation and help, David was comforted as he waited on the LORD.

The questions David asked are good for us to consider personally:  why do we remain cast down when there is hope in the LORD?  Why complain and be troubled over situations out of our control when God is the sovereign ruler over all who looks upon us favourably?  When David's countenance turned to God in gladness, his downcast soul was sure to rise.  Looking to Jesus our Saviour helps us to regain the proper, God-glorifying perspective and to experience fullness of joy by exercising faith in Him.