What does Psalm 42:11 mean?

Prior verses expressed the psalmist's frustration and temptation to despair (Psalm 42:9–10). Here, the message returns to a hopeful tone (Psalm 42:8). The first part of this verse is rhetorical: it makes a positive statement, despite being framed as a question. This repeats an earlier verse (Psalm 42:5). In both instances, the point is that the psalmist should not be crushed or in anguish. The writer realizes the Lord is his salvation and his God. By calling God his salvation, he acknowledges Him as his deliverer. He does not dwell on present difficulties but on future deliverance.

The ultimate answer to these experiences is the only firm optimism that is reasonable: to "hope in God." The psalmist looks forward to the time when he will join God's people in praising Him in the temple at Jerusalem (Psalm 42:5). Believers today may experience physical pain and emotional sorrow as the psalmist did, but they possess a firm hope of being free of all their trouble. Someday, they will join the host of heaven in praising the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:8–14). Until then, believers are on a pilgrimage, not a picnic, and Jesus is with them every step of the way (Hebrews 13:5–6).