Psalm 043 - In Times of Trouble - Aneel Aranha
Vindicate me, my God,
and plead my cause
against an unfaithful nation.
Rescue me from those who are
deceitful and wicked.
You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?
Send me your light and your faithful care,
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
In times of trouble — and surely we all go through them — we tend to seek out our own solutions or rely on other people for advice or help. We should do what David does and go to God instead. He is feeling overwhelmed, and although he feels abandoned by God, he still turns to God in prayer, expressing a deep longing to be in God's presence and to experience his light and truth.
How do we turn to God for help and strength? One, through prayer. God promises to be with us and give us the strength to get through the tough times. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Two, through God's word. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." When we read the Bible, we can find guidance and direction for our lives. Think of it as Google Maps for the Soul. We can get pretty lost without it.
Three, through the Holy Spirit: God has given us the Holy Spirit to be our helper and guide. In John 14:26, Jesus says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Four, through the support of other believers. Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." We can find encouragement and support when we share our struggles with others.
None of this is anything you haven't heard before, but I have realized we are remarkably forgetful people and need constant reminders of what we must do. So, 1, 2, 3, 4, Go!
God bless you.