broken heart if you are willing to give Him the pieces." Notice the inscription on Psalm 42, "To the chief musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah." Maschil is simply a Hebrew word for "an in structive ode." It means that this chapter has something definite to teach us. Since this word "Maschil" is prefixed to 11 different Psalms I would suggest that we ought to take careful note and learn the spe cific lessons the Holy Spirit has for us. We do not know specifically who wrote this Psalm, although most Bible scholars believe David is def initely the human author. As a mat ter of fact the well-known 19th century preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, comments that “This Psalm is so Davidic that it even smells of the son of Jesse." It is not improbable that the name of David was omitted as the scribes took it for granted that this was such a well understood fact. If it was penned by David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, doubtless it came at a time when he was forced out of the holy city of Jerusalem. He had to forfeit his opportunity of worshipping at the beloved altar before the Lord. The reason was that Absalom had driv en his father from his presence as he wickedly attempted to over throw the government (II Samuel 25-28). The thing that is amazing about Psalm 42 is the fact that it was writ ten at least three thousand years ago. Yet it fits in perfectly well with all of our present day circum stances, especially in relation to de pression. It is always fresh. There is no other book which can compare to it.
“The studies have definitely shown that people have looked on sui cide as a possible means of release from their distress and depression. The rise has been noted especially in our young people." The ancient Romans called it “ taedium vitae," which simply means "tiredness of life." And, ac cording to available studies, peo ple who are forty years of age or older are most particularly vulner able to discouragement. Dr. Gerald Klerman, psychiatrist at Harvard Medical College, evaluates the whole situation, “Depression is the most common disorder of human ity. The greatest and most tragic difficulty is that we do not always recognize the intense problem for what it really means." It is often more devastating than anyone can possibly imagine. It is a primary reaction that the first thing believers think about when the word "depression" comes is, “Oh, no, not me! I am a Christian! I should not have emo tional problems." The fact of the matter is, if we are honest with ourselves, we know Hhat we do. None of us is exempt. Unfortun ately, I think there are a number of individuals who have never come to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and who are misled. Some have gotten the idea that by taking this important step of faith they will no longer have any problems to face. There is a wonderful scriptural passage which very definitely bears on the subject of discouragement. It clearly shows us how we can find victory through the power of God's Holy Spirit. It is the 42nd Psalm. Some have referred to it as “The King David Blues." It has been well said that “Cod will mend your
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