PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 43
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 FEELING 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”.
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!
When things go against us – when I am treated unfairly – unjustly – when I am rejected – it can make life very miserable and I long for better days. As the psalmist, we long for the way it was when we could freely go to the church and be with God’s people to worship together – that we can sing out songs of praise, lifted by the music – with cheerful hearts to worship our God. Yes, I long for that, but I also long for the continued presence and closeness to my Lord in the quiet times, in nature – when I look to Jesus – I know where my hope is! It is in the times of struggle – that we are reminded of where to put our hope! In times of affluence and party – we are distracted from seeking true hope.
Emmanuel.
God with us.
Yet there are times when He seems to be very far away. Our difficult times.
But at all times I must remember my hope is in the Lord and I need to praise Him Who is my Help and Salvation and Strength. He is with me even when I walk through the dark valley. He is with me always for He leads and guides me.
Refrain:
All of my life, I will praise the living God,
My heart full of joy,
I will bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
And never forget his gifts.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
He pardons all our sins.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
He saves us from all harm.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
He fills our life with good.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
He keeps us ever young.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
His mercy never ends.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
His kindness never ends.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
His promises he keeps.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
He died to bring us life.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
He is the Bread of Life.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
In him we find all love.