1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
This setting of Psalms 42 and 43 was written and submitted by Travis Ham and focuses on helping believers answer waves of aching despair with an intentional refocusing on God, the help of our countenance [Ps. 42:11, ASV].
Psalm 42, Psalm 43
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
Though this song was written pre-COVID, the psalm’s recognition of the pain felt both from being separate from the close fellowship of gathered worship and also from the breaking sorrows that surround us seems all too relevant in our current moment. Likewise, the psalmist’s pattern of answering each wave of despair by speaking truth and hope to his soul is intentionally reflected in the chorus.
This song could work as a lament, but a stronger use would be to help move a congregation from a season or moment lament to praise. Given the specific subject matter, it could be especially useful in helping those processing the chronic grief of being necessarily separate from in-person corporate worship.
Text and Music: Psalms 42–43; Travis Ham, © 2016 Travis Ham
Used by permission.
Contact: Travis Ham, travis@bcbc.org
Psalm Talk by Amanda Benckhuysen, recorded at the 2026 Psalms 150 conference, with a visual prayer and embodied response from Dea Jenkins.
A Psalm Talk by Terry M. Wildman and Darlene Wildman on the creation of the First Nations Version of the Bible, with a visual prayer and embodied response led by Dea Jenkins.
An interview with award-winning artist and celebrated painter Joel Schoon-Tanis on the process and creation of his painting "Psalm 1: Growing Trees" at Psalms 150: A Conference Experience.
Psalm Talk by Amanda Benckhuysen, recorded at the 2026 Psalms 150 conference, with a visual prayer and embodied response from Dea Jenkins.
A Psalm Talk by Terry M. Wildman and Darlene Wildman on the creation of the First Nations Version of the Bible, with a visual prayer and embodied response led by Dea Jenkins.
An interview with award-winning artist and celebrated painter Joel Schoon-Tanis on the process and creation of his painting "Psalm 1: Growing Trees" at Psalms 150: A Conference Experience.
This chapel worship service was led by Wendell Kimbrough at Calvin University as part of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s “Dwelling in the Psalms” year.
