This psalm is sometimes regarded as having been originally part of Psalm 42 because it does not have a title although it is found in a series of psalms connected to the sons of Korah. It also contains a similar theme of a downcast musician unable to participate in worship at the sanctuary (v. 4).
The author is under attack from evil persons and needs divine vindication. He had turned to God for help, but so far his pleas for deliverance had not been accepted as far as he could tell. His circumstances had not changed, and this had led to ongoing sadness (vv. 1-2).
Nevertheless, he knew that God alone could help him and he persists in prayer for divine help. What does he mean by light and truth? Perhaps he uses light in contrast to the darkness he experiences in providence and he uses truth in contrast to the falsehoods of his opponents. He wants his God to clear a path for him to return to the sanctuary by removing the obstacles he currently faced. Then he would go to the sanctuary and resume his role in God’s worship (vv. 3-4).
We should observe how he regarded God. He says he was in a personal relationship with God. But he says much more. This personal relationship filled him full with pleasure and delight. It may seem surprising that a believer, sad because of providence, can rejoice greatly in the God of providence. But then, as Paul wrote, we can be sorrowful and always rejoicing. The psalmist does not forget to think about God while in trouble (v. 4).
Verse 5 repeats the refrain of Psalm 42 about him speaking to himself about the certainty of resuming his attendance at the sanctuary. Despite his circumstances, he was confident that his God would answer his prayer and deliver him.
This psalm reminds us to bring God into our circumstances even when prayer seems to be going nowhere. Faith sees a God of grace even when the clouds of providence hide his face.
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