My Soul Is Cast Down Within Me
“Oh my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.”—Psalm 42:6
In times of dejection and distress, the thoughts of a dear friend, who has comforted us in times past, tend to alleviate the mind. If we are assured of his love to us, we question not his readiness to assist us. So under the affecting loss of a dear brother, Martha addresses the Saviour, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” John 11:21 Inexpressible blessedness, to live in a holy familiarity with the God of love! How simple are David’s words, how freely doth he pour out his complaints, and tell God of his sorrows!
Though his soul was bowed down within him, heaviness of mind beset him, the sweet sunshine of joy was overcast by the dark cloud of sorrow, yet faith’s piercing eye looks through all. Regardless of his own frames and feelings, he has direct recourse to God.
Oh my God, how sweet, how animating are appropriating views to the soul! Though cast down, though dejected in self, and all within heightens the gloom, yet all above is hopeful and encouraging. Though no confidence in ourselves, yet Jesus is before the throne for us. I will not, I cannot, I dare not forget this. Rejoice not over me, oh mine enemy. I will still remember my God; my thoughts shall be yet towards him, my hope is in him, my expectations from him. Though it is now dark, I will remember past times of light and love. Though now bowed down, yet my God has been the lifter-up of my head. The light of his reconciled face in Jesus hath shined upon me. Clouds may intercept my joyful views of this, but not prevent his sight of me, nor turn away his love from me. My case is before him, my soul lies open to his view. The times of refreshing shall come from his presence. He rests in his love. Such are the reasonings of faith. Departed saints’ experience should encourage living saints’ confidence. Cast down, mourning souls, when they enjoy not God’s com forts, should meditate on his loving purposes, rich promises, and free grace in Christ Jesus; holding fast the word of his truth. Of what singular and blessed use is it to retain divine truth in the memory, and to bring back a fresh and lively sense of God’s best dealings with us. Remember this, and show yourselves men. God is faithful, by whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor. 1:9
Amidst temptations sharp and long,
My soul to this dear refuge flies:
Hope is my actor firm and strong,
While tempests blow and billows rise.
The gospel bears my spirit up;
A faithful and unchanging God,
Lays the foundation for my hope,
In oaths, and promises, and blood.
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
