Psalms
Summary
Psalm 43 is closely linked to Psalm 42, sharing the same refrain and themes of distress followed by hopeful expectation. It is a direct prayer for God to "vindicate me" and "plead my cause" against an ungoldy nation. The psalmist asks God to "send out your light and your truth" to guide him back to the "holy hill" and the presence of God. It highlights the psalmist's desire to go to the "altar of God" with exceeding joy and praise. It concludes with the same soul-searching refrain, reaffirming that God is the ultimate "health of my countenance."
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 out your light and your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill, to the place where you dwell.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy; I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.