THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 43
“Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” (Psalm 43:3)
This psalm continues Psalm 42 (some Hebrew manuscripts combine them).
The psalmist still battles depression, wondering why God has rejected him!
It’s important for us to see how God includes and inspires doubt in the bible.
If anyone challenges you for expressing doubt or despair, point them to the psalms.
I think this kind of honest prayer is important for our spiritual journey.
I’ve spoken with some who resist church because it only seems to allow joy or hope.
When someone expresses doubt or despair, they quickly urge them to trust, to hope.
I am guilty of this; in my worry for them, I try to FIX their struggle for them..
Over time I’ve learned God’s Spirit works through honest desperation to bring hope.
This doesn’t mean ignoring those who struggle, but FEEL their struggle with them.
As we allow them time to vent, they start to speak words of hope themselves.
The Spirit Himself speaks to their spirit, drawing them to put their hope in God (v.5).
Do you “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15), or do you insist on joy?
Trust the Spirit to speak in their tears; soon you will “rejoice with those who rejoice”.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for allowing me to be honest in my struggle, but also for leading me through struggle to hope and joy. Help me to offer the same freedom to others, so that You can lift their spirits too!