Psalm 43:1-3
1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
against an ungodly people;
from those who are deceitful and unjust,
deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you cast me off?
Why must I walk about mournfully
because of the oppression of the enemy?3 O send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling.
Growing up in Florida, hills and high vistas were very rare things. In Pasco County, LeHeup Hill stands at a whopping 242 feet above sea level. For a Floridian, this hill makes a top 25 highest points in the Florida. As a kid, when headed to different destinations we used to beg to go over this hill. I can still remember that feeling of hearing the engine revving and that feeling of anticipation as you go up and up and up just waiting to get to the peak. Once you hit the peak, there was that instant feeling of awe and wonder as you look out the windows at the surrounding land around you. Whether you have been hiking to a summit or driven up any place tall, we can all share that feeling of being up on top of a peak and celebrating God’s splendor.
In spite of these beautiful scenes, this world can be a difficult place in struggles with others and things beyond our control. This Psalm begins with a rant of frustration wondering why things happen and where God is in the midst of our troubles. The writer feels overwhelmed, lost and alone. Rather than being consumed by questions of fairness, the Psalmist pivots in verse 3 asking God to send out light and truth to be led back to God’s holy hill. We can’t always make sense of the things in this world and it is frustrating to not have answers and yet we are called again and again to find peace and comfort in our God of love.
Prayer
God of light and truth, as we face struggles and difficulties, help us to keep our focus on you. In your light and truth, let us remember your place in the beauty and hope of this world and our call to dwell with you. Amen.