Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from those who are deceitful and unjust deliver me! For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you cast me off? Why must I walk about mournfully because of the oppression of the enemy?
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.

The words of Psalm 43 speak of a prayer to God in a time of trouble. Where is God when those around seem to be prospering from their deceitful ways? Where is God when we feel everything build up around us and feel the weight bearing down? The Psalmist cries out. The Psalmist asks questions of God. The Psalmist demands answers, as a God who has led in their life before. As a God who has, unwaveringly been there for them before. He is questioning in the reality of now but also speaks of the assurance of the past. While she may feel alone in this hour; the hope, indeed, springs eternal. May this psalm be the words of you heart in times of trouble too.

Prayer

Living God, our rock and refuge, may the light of your truth lead us in those times of darkness and weighed sadness. May the promises of your joy and hope hold us tighter and carry us through, in Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.