Psalm 43 (NRSV)
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Verse 1Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from those who are deceitful and unjust deliver me!
Verse 2For 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?
Verse 3O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
Verse 4Then 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.
Verse 5Why 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.
Devotion
We have souls that refuse to be at rest. As we near adulthood, we are encouraged to "find ourselves." Then we can get on with the business of moving up life’s ladder – to a better job, to a bigger house, to whatever comes next. We believe, deep down, that the next rung up the ladder will grant rest, comfort and peace for our souls.
Of course, that is never the case. No matter what we do, where we go or who we strive to become, our souls will not rest. Lamenting deep issues of the soul, and even enemies, the psalmist asks why this is. But, instead of giving a direct answer, he simply proclaims to himself, "Hope in God." We join in the psalmist’s cry that God will send out light and truth, knowing in faith that only God’s light can lead our steps, and that only in Jesus will we find truth.
Prayer
Send out your light, Lord, and give us eyes to see it. Send forth your truth and give us ears to hear it. Help our souls rest in you. Amen.