The first verse of Psalm 43 reads, “Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!” It is a natural petition made by a man of God to His Master. The word “vindicate” comes from a Hebrew word which indicates a request for God to undertake his cause, to ensure that justice is done in his conflict with his enemy.
The second verse of the Psalm reads, “For You are the God of my strength; why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” This too is a natural response of a godly man, who is at present oppressed? Why is it that the enemies of right and the righteous seem sometimes to have the upper hand? Why do they prosper when the righteous are suffering? We don’t always know why these things happen. But, we do know that in the end all things are made right. “Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:5-7).
Verses three and four of the Psalm read, “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.” This is the proper response of the godly to oppression and difficulty. Appeal to the Master, and acknowledge Him as your Guide and Comforter. Even in the midst of oppression or trial, as you cry out to God, you should give Him praise. He is your God, He is your strength, He deserves your allegiance and worship.
The final verse of the Psalm reads, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” While verse 2 describes the natural response of a righteous man who being oppressed, the fifth verse describes the PROPER response of that man. Regardless of difficult circumstances, one who trusts in God has no reason to be anxious. We know He loves us. We know He is capable of protecting us. We hope in Him. As such, there is no reason for us to be “cast down.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
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