Day 256: Psalm 43- Look up. Live Free.

Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause  against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! 2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;  why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill  and to your dwelling!

4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
 
Meditation
How do you respond when people gossip about you, sharing things that are not true or falsely accusing you? Are you someone who takes matters into your own hands or one who opens your hands in trusting God to defend, justify, and exonerate?
 
The Psalmist empowers God’s people to look up to the Lord for defense, the vindication and response to slander we long for. “Vindicate me!” “Deliver me” The focus of our faith is God- He is our refuge. God alone sends light and truth (3). God will fight for you.
 
Questions abound- Why does it look like the perpetrators always win? Why do I feel rejected by both people and God (2-3)? God is big enough for our questions and frustrations. He welcomes our interrogations. When we focus our hearts on Him our faith will be refreshed.
 
What God reveals about Himself and says about you is far more powerful than the problems caused by gossipers, truth twisters, or slanderers. God’s sovereign grace frees us from the prison of personal pain to praise with exceeding joy (4).
 
God will vindicate His people, rescuing us with His salvation and defending us from our enemies. Jesus Christ died to vindicate us before the Father, securing our status as His children. Speak to your soul, preaching the gospel to yourself- Hope in God! He is your salvation and is worthy of praise. His love will not let you go.
 
Richly Dwelling
-When the tide of public opinion turns on you do you take matters into your own hands or open your hands and trust God to vindicate you?
 
-Why are we tempted to not trust God to vindicate us? Turn to the promises of God and preach to your soul- Hope in God!
 
-Jesus Christ is the truth and He has defeated the father of lies, the devil. Truth always wins and light always defeats darkness. How can you celebrate truth and light in your life?
 
Key Verse
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.