The psalmist is saying that even in the midst of doubt and darkness, there's a hunger for God. 'Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God.' It's not that the doubt is gone, or the darkness has lifted. But there's still this fundamental thirst.
I think about addiction recovery - people who say the hardest part isn't just stopping the behavior. It's that moment when you realize you're craving something else. Your body and soul are demanding something. The psalmist is saying: let that craving be for God. Even if everything else is falling apart, cultivate that thirst.
I've been working with a spiritual director on this. I spend a lot of my time and energy feeding various thirsts - for achievement, for approval, for comfort. The real question is whether underneath all of that I'm actually thirsty for God. This psalm won't let me ignore the question.
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