by, Isam Itson III
Psalm 43:1-5
Vindicate me, God, and champion my cause
against an unfaithful nation;
rescue me from the deceitful and unjust person.
2 For you are the God of my refuge.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about in sorrow
because of the enemy’s oppression?
3 Send your light and your truth; let them lead me.
Let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place.
4 Then I will come to the altar of God,
to God, my greatest joy.
I will praise you with the lyre,
God, my God.
5 Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Everyone knows what a good life looks like. Advertisers show us all of the time. A happy group of family and friends in a nice home with plenty of good food and festive drinks. Fit and attractive people able to pay for exciting adventures for their parents, children, and grandchildren. And if we do get sick, or have legal trouble, the advertisement promises that they have the means to restore our health and social standing so we can get back to living our best life. We all want a good life.
That’s why I love Psalm 43. The writer is honest with God. The writer knows that God could rescue them from their enemy. The writer knows that God could remove the unjust rulers, merchants, and landowners who oppress the poor and helpless within their nation.
And the writer knows that God’s word, what they refer to as God’s light and truth, is what will lead them to the mountain top. Focus and meditation upon God’s word will give them a more clear vision of their opportunities to live for God in spite of the opposition of their enemies and the tyranny of their rulers.
Meditation on God’s word reminds us of God’s presence with us and his purpose for our lives. God’s word reminds us of his faithfulness to provide everything we need to represent him well as we go about our daily lives. God’s word shows us how to value God’s love for each other, even our enemies, no matter our circumstances.
In spite of inevitable suffering, opposition, and hardship, God’s word shows us how to live a joyous life filled with passion, purpose, hope, and gratitude in light of God’s loyal love and kindness.
And like the writer declares in verse 5, sometimes we have to remind ourselves that no matter what happens we will keep turning to God. We have to encourage ourselves with the knowledge of God’s faithfulness that we have read about in the Bible and that we have experienced in our own lives.
Sometimes we only have to talk ourselves back into living with joy and gratitude once a day. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves of God’s gratitude with every step we take throughout the day. There is no shame in our weakness, because we know that God is our strength. Like the writer says in verse 2, God is our refuge.God is the one who protects us and provides for us. God is the source, strength, and wisdom for our lives.
As we go about our day and consider our options in the face of our challenges, let’s remember that God is with us. let’s remember that Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for us in submission to God’s love for us. God will always do whatever it takes to help us honor his love for each other. What a wonderful assurance as we pursue God’s best life for us.