Q2. (Psalms 42-43). What is the psalmist feeling during this spiritual struggle?
I think the Psalmist is feeling lonely, he wants to tangibly feel God's presence. He is feeling abandoned (vs 3"where is your God?"). He is depressed.
How does he combat his spiritual depression?
He pulls up his bootstraps and tells himself to hope in God and praise God. He reminds himself of all God has done. He thinks on whatever is right, true and praiseworthy.He commits to praising God in this darkness.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Have you ever felt this way? How did you reach out to God at this time?
Sure! Everyone has I assume. When I feel depressed it is usually because I am focusing on my own selfish, wants or circumstances instead of God. My soul is NOT panting or thirsting For God but rather worshipping my own desires. Eventually, when I wake-up to the fact that I am spiralling away from God, I call out to Him and cling to Him until he rescues me. Putting on a Phil 4:8 mindset really helps stop the pity, pain and powerlessness. Reveiwing His faithfulness gives me a stronghold on which to stand. I long for the day where my heart will harbor this mindset naturally!