A Reflection on Psalm 43:5
By Grace Mamalat
“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.” - Psalm 43:5 NIV
When the sun is shining, when our days are warm, when things seem to be going our way, when worry and sadness are gone, and when happiness is near. This is a general definition of what the ideal life looks like from the surface. However, as we live in a broken and fallen world, we face hurt, evil, betrayal, and the unfairness of it all.
In this passage, the psalmist faces a kind of brokenness that discourages him. He cries out to God and speaks to his own soul. We see his honesty and vulnerability. He is not trying to sugarcoat his feelings as he cries out to God. He admits that his soul is downcast and disturbed.
But he finds hope in the one truth he holds onto: God. The psalmist knows that whatever hurt, betrayal, and discouragement he faces, God is faithful. God is constant and will never fail. More so, because of his strong personal relationship with God, the psalmist is convinced that hope, when placed in God, will never die. Hope in God is sure, and it gives strength to the one who hopes. Why? Because God assures us that He listens, hears, knows, and sees all. He has given us countless examples of His faithfulness in His Word and in the lives of others.
Because He has been faithful then, we can trust that He will be faithful still. He does not condone evil and injustice. He will, in His timing, make all things right.
Although we are not facing the exact same situation this psalmist did, we can definitely relate to the same brokenness and discouragement that comes from living in a sinful and wicked world. We face challenges and oppression from the enemy as we try to walk faithfully before God. And when we do, we too can find hope like the psalmist. Our sure and strong hope is rooted in God and His faithfulness to His children. This hope will never fail, and it is cause for praise even when we walk through the storms of life.
So, whatever you are facing today, ask yourself: “Where do I find and place my hope?” May God, as you put your hope and trust in Him, give you the strength to persevere and endure as you continue to live faithfully before Him. In His time and in His perfect way, He will set all things right. He sees all that you are going through, and He will not forget your faithfulness to Him.