Where Is Your God?

The question is asked in Psalm 42:3, “My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?'” (cf. vs. 10). It is somewhat reminiscent of the mockery of Christ on the cross (Matt. 27:43-44). A question such as this may have various emotions in back of it. And they are emotions frequently behind the ridicule of believers today.

1) Certainly there is hatred and scorn behind the words in Psalm 42. These are “enemies” (vs. 10), happy to see the psalmist in distress.

2) There is contempt, and unbelief in the question. They think they are seeing a weak God who cannot help (or no God at all).

3) There is perhaps a measure of superstitious dread and fear involved. There are reports of how the God of Israel has come to their aid in past days, in some spectacular ways. Maybe He will again.

4) There is maybe a hint of regret and disappointment behind their words. Could it be they are reflecting, “If only there were someone who could help us at such times”?