For the third time we find this chorus in Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 (see Psalm 42:5, Psalm 42:11). The sadness and unrest still raise up every now and then, but after Psalm 43:3–4 the hope now really has the overtone. For God, my God is the living One (Psalm 42:2, Psalm 42:8); he is my rock (Psalm 42:9), and in him I find shelter (Psalm 43:2); my God gives me joy (Psalm 43:4).
The author experienced difficult times at the fountains of the Jordan (Psalm 42:6–7). Centuries later, Jesus withdrew with his disciples into that same area. There he asked them the question, Who do people say that the Son of Man is?
(Matthew 16:13). Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God
(Matthew 16:16). With this confession, Christians can also travel in good spirits today, no matter how difficult the journey may be. One day such confessors will come home to their God on the new heaven and new earth. For John on Patmos heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God
(Revelation 21:3). Surely that is why the joy there will be uninterrupted (read on in Revelation 21:1–27 and Revelation 22:1–21)!
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.