Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
This automated analysis scores the text on the likely presence of emotional, language, and social tones. There are no right or wrong scores; this is just an indication of tones readers or listeners may pick up from the text.
A score of 0.5 or higher indicates the tone is likely present.
Emotion Tone
Anger
0.11UNLIKELY
Disgust
0.06UNLIKELY
Fear
0.13UNLIKELY
Joy
0.62LIKELY
Sadness
0.52LIKELY
Language Tone
Analytical
0.7LIKELY
Confident
0UNLIKELY
Tentative
0.79LIKELY
Social Tone
Openness
0.93LIKELY
Conscientiousness
0.28UNLIKELY
Extraversion
0.24UNLIKELY
Agreeableness
0.66LIKELY
Emotional Range
0.27UNLIKELY
Tone of specific sentences
Tones
Emotion
Language
Social Tendencies
Anger
< .5
.5 - .6
.6 - .7
.7 - .8
.8 - .9
> .9
Overview
is often misunderstood.
Because we memorize and sing about vs 1-2 we think that the context of this Psalm is about rainbows and puppies and everything going roses and daffodils.
But the context is nothing like this… The context is Spiritual Despondency & Discouragement emerging from External Trouble, Overwhelming Taunting, and Internal Turmoil
Notice that this is a Maskil of the Sons of Korah.
The Sons of Korah were priests that were assigned the task of leading Worship through Singing in the Temple…they were the Worship Team.
And a Maskil apparently was a Song that instructs.
So we see in this incredible Psalm are Holy Spirit guided ways to combat Spiritual Despondency and Discouragement.
See if you don’t see these as we briefly read through the Psalm?
A Fierce Desire For God
The Hebrew verb that are translated “longs for” and “thirsts” are the same Word.
The sense is that of intense longing, a desire born out of a desperation.
“Living God” is important.
We think that the opposite of “Living God” is “Non-Living God.”
That is not the sense of the meaning.
The idea is “Active.”
Don’t think that Living God as opposed to Dead God, but rather God who is Active and Involved in the Psalmists life as opposed to a God who is Passive and Disinterested in the Psalmist’s life.
So, the Psalmist has an Intense longing for connection, and intimacy with his Active and Vitally Interested and Involved God.
Why?
Spiritual Despondency & Discouragement
Psalm 42:6
Psalm 42:
Psalm 42:11
Trouble & Trauma
Psalm 42;
This Despondency and Discouragement apparently is the result of horrible external circumstances.
For whatever reason, bad and terrible things are happening.
This Psalm seems like it could have been written by David during his flight from King Saul, or during Absalom’s rebellion.
Or it could have been written by one of the Priests trying to make sense of the horrible persecution by one of Israel’s neighboring nations…this happened during several times in Israel’s history.
Or it could have been written by any one of us… Cancer, having to bury a loved one, loss of employment, or the crushing of a dream...
Sin cursed bodies.....
The Bible doesn’t state “IF” you encounter trouble, but “When” you encounter trouble.
Taunting
The Trouble and Trauma seem to be intensified because of people throwing God in the Psalmist’s face!
Psalm 42:9-10
Turmoil
Psalm 42:
Psalm 42:
And so we see that the Psalmist has an Intense Longing to connect with and have intimacy with God who he knows is a Living God....Active and Involved in the Psalmist’s life.
There seems to be a Fierce devotion in the face Dire Circumstances....he is hanging on to God for his LIFE!
But this is a Maskil…a Song with Instruction....
1. Honestly Question God
The Psalmist asks Why?
The Psalmist knows God has not forsaken him (vs 8) but it FEELS like it in the now.
God gives us permission to Question God in the midst of Pain.
Job did, and he was the most righteous man of his age.
But notice the Question is supported by Hope in God....
He is not being rude or cynical but is Honestly opening up with God and inquiring.
It is a Healthy and Holy questioning leading to Hope....not a disrespectful questioning that leads to rebellion.
God, I don’t understand, I feel like you have forgotten me, but I will trust you.
Job said, Tho you slay me, yet I will trust You!
The first step to Healing might be to Honestly, with Holy reverence, let God know what you feel and what you are going through.
Process your Pain depending on God’s Spirit.
You may not get immediate understanding, but you will obtain Strength and Comfort from God.
2. Set Your Anchor On God’s Love
Psalm 42:8
Verse 7 affirms that life’s circumstances are crashing over him...
And yet the Psalmist anchors his life in the MIDST of these overwhelming circumstances on the Rock of God’s Love.
3. Determine to Worship and Sing
Psalm 42:8
John Piper says, “This is NOT a song of Jubilant Hope.
He doesn’t Feel jubilant hope....He is seeking Jubilant Hope.”
Illustr of Louis Giglio in his book The Comeback
4. Truth Talk
Psalm 42:5
Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out: “Have you realized that most of the unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself.”
Illustr of Paul ....
5. Remember, Remember, Remember!
6. Purposefully Engage in Corporate Worship
Verse 4 reminds us to not Isolate, but engage with fellow believers…worship God with them, receive the support and encouragement they offer.
< .5
.5 - .6
.6 - .7
.7 - .8
.8 - .9
> .9