When we are in a place of despair, we often cry out to God for help but wonder if He is really listening. We feel unsettled and insecure. We wonder if God has turned away from us, but in hope, we cry out to Him for protection. The writer of the following Psalm called out to God for help when he was in similar circumstances.
Defend me, God. Argue my case against those people who don’t know you. Protect me from those evil liars. God, you are my place of safety. Why have you turned me away? Why must I suffer this sadness that my enemies have brought me? Send your light and your truth to guide me, to lead me to your holy mountain, to your home. I want to go to God’s altar, to the God who makes me so very happy. God, my God, I want to play my harp and sing praises to you! Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help! You will again have a chance to praise him, your God, the one who will save you.” (Psalm 43:1-5 ERV)
When we read this Psalm, we see how the writer is honest about the trauma he is experiencing. He recognizes that God is his place of safety but asks God why He has turned him away. He questions God about the reason he must suffer this sadness. Each of us has been in a similar situation at one time or another. Though Jesus told us we would have trouble in this life, we tend to think that suffering is for those who do not know God or are living in self-will rather than God’s will. We believe that God judges just like us. God, however, is much more gracious in His judgment than we are.
In the words that follow the writer’s plea for the Lord to help him, we see his attitude change as he asks God to send His light and truth to guide him. He also tells himself to wait for God’s help. When we find ourselves in trouble it would be good to follow the example set in this Psalm. Let’s tell God all about our troubles and then wait for Him to sort out all our concerns.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, When my circumstances cause me to be fearful, help me to trust that You are near and ready to help. Amen
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