Our Exceeding Joy
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1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation:
O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3 O send out thy light and thy truth: Let them lead me;
Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy:
Yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
And why art thou disquieted within me?
Hope in God:
For I shall yet praise him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Our Exceeding Joy
Psalm 43, with its repetition of several verses from Psalm 42, feels like a continuation of the primary theme to continue to praise God even when your soul is troubled. David begins by asking God to judge him and deliver him from an unjust nation. David knows that God is a righteous judge and will search his heart and see his works. “Thou art the God of my strength”. As in the previous psalm, David asks the Lord why has He cast him off. David is alarmed, feeling abandoned, but although his soul is disquieted, he will hope in his God.
In this Psalm, David elaborates on the many ways he worships the Lord. God’s light and truth shall lead him to the holy hills and to the Lord’s tabernacles. He will go to the altar to worship God, his exceeding joy. David will also praise God with music. “Yea upon the harp will I praise thee, O god, my god” David then asks his soul, “Why are you disquieted and cast down?”. He reminds himself to hope in God. “For I shall yet praise him”. Once again, he calls the Lord the health of his countenance and his God. What a beautiful way to end this psalm. I can imagine David laying prostrate before the Lord in worship and grateful praise.
Psalm 43 gives a brief but awesome picture of David putting his hope in the Lord and giving him praise in words and song before His altar. As I go through each day, facing many challenges, I will remind myself of David’s attitude and ask myself, “Why am I discouraged when I know I can cast my cares on the Lord.” David’s confidence came from his personal experience with God as his Deliverer and Provider. He did it before and He will do it again. I thank you, God, that you are a very present help in my times of trouble. Your praise shall be continually in my mouth.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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