Psalm 43

​Today’s psalm is directly tied to psalm 42, as the psalmist continues his lamenting exclusion from God’s sanctuary (v. 1-2). However, the psalmist shifts in language as he calls upon God to draw near to him (v. 3) which would give him great joy (v. 4). We end with the refrain that appeared twice in psalm 42, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” Though this time these words are more hopeful, whereas the first two were bleak and sorrowful.
 
When I reflected on this psalm, and the previous psalm, I thought of how often I don’t call upon the Lord to draw near to me. I know that I often find myself leaving His presence to seek out my own desires and paths, but when the realization hits, all I do wallow in self-pity. Shouldn’t we know that we can call on the Lord to help us return to Him? Shouldn’t we be more joyful with the knowledge that our Lord is ready and willing to accept us back into his arms? We should be joyful that He is our stronghold and that He will lead us back to his alter. While it is important to recognize when we have strayed away from God, I think it equally important to recognize that He does bring us back into the fold and that we should praise Him! We can be certain in God, for He is unchanging in His ways.
 
Daniel

​3 Month Reading Plan - Psalm 36