Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Psalm 43 NIV
1 Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. 2 You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior, and my God.
What progression of faith or mood swing do you see in Psalm 43?
Lord, I love You and I have faith in Your power and glory. I have hope in Your forgiveness and grace. But I am human. I am worn down from being surrounded by an ungodly nation, a deceitful and wicked people. The wait is long. Life is not easy. I have faced battles of opposition and even depression. Culture suggests that we depend on ourselves for help rather than from You. The result is isolation and fear. Lord, I know better. I know You, why am I discouraged and restless? David was human too. in this psalm he moved from complaint to petition and ended in hope. He demonstrates that it is not about what is happening or feelings, it is about hope in You. Lord, Today I run to You for protection. I pray for Your guidance and presence. Obedience is all about turning to You, trusting Your goodness, no matter what the situation. What I need in darkness is to seek Your presence and I can trust that is ultimately what I will find. Your final word is not in the chaos of this world but it is a word of hope and trust. You have promised to show Your Glory and I hold onto Your Word. Send your light and your truth to guide me. Help me to play the role you want me to play in reviving faith in Your people. And I will continue to praise You because You help me and You are my God. Amen