SCRIPTURE: Psalm 43
This psalm seems to be a continuation of Psalm 42 (some Hebrew manuscripts combine them).
The psalmist is continuing his battle with depression, wondering why God is taking so long!
It is very important for us to see that God includes and inspires doubt and lament in the sacred text.
If anyone challenges you for expressing doubt or anger or despair, point them to the psalms.
And if they counter by saying all the psalms end in faith and hope, point them to Psalm 88.
The Psalmist’s spirit is sad and upset… period.
Sure he is trying to talk himself out of it, but the fact remains, he is sad and upset.
He is accusing God of turning His back on him, leaving him in sorrow, beaten by his enemies.
I think this kind of honest prayer is important for our spiritual journey.
God Himself inspires it, and uses it to help us through our dark valleys to the other side.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, my struggles seem small in comparison, but they are still real to me. I admit my doubt, my fear, my weak faith, my sadness. But still I choose to put my hope in You, for there is no other hope.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations:
In his persecutions, David talks with God to rescue him from the oppressor. He asks God to be his stronghold for in His presence he is made strong. In His presence, he will praise Him.
Applications:
In my struggles – if without the Lord = His absence – the lack of His presence – robs me of my joy, my praise, my laughter, my songs, my hope, my happiness. To be happy is to flee to the Lord God and be in His presence. Happiness is – singing praises to His name. Happiness is to be in His presence always. Happiness is to do His will for my life. Happiness is to walk with my God.
Prayer:
Thank You lord for being able to start a new day with You, in Your presence, reading Your Word for my life, encouraging me to live this day in the presence of Your people.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.