Psalm 43 is one of the shortest psalms in the Bible.  Five verses.  Sometimes you don’t need many words to convey your heart.  Recently I had someone say my writings were way too long, even saying to another person in front of me, “Have you ever seen how they go on and on”.  The tone implied, “Who has time to read them?”  Talk about discouraging.  I still had to preach twice that day.  It made me second guess all my notes, study, writing, and what I was about to preach.  Thirty seconds crushed twenty years of writing and preaching!  Then I remembered the Lord.  I still struggled to preach that morning and evening.  While I hope others can gain from the things I write, the primary purpose of writing is a reflection on the time I spend in the Lord each day.  I must remember my writing is about the worship of the Lord and it only matters what He thinks!  When someone lets the air out of your tires, let the Spirit of God refill you with His mighty wind!

So, here is the short version today.  In these quick five verses, the writer gets right to the point – God, You’re strong enough to rescue me (vv. 1-2).  I need your light, care, leadership, and presence (v. 3).  Your joy and delight cause me to praise You (v. 4).  Why have I been depressed?  I will trust and praise in You my Savior and God (v. 5).  That’s it.  God is strong enough, cares for us, leads us in dark times, and brings joy with His presence.  That should fill our deflated souls with everlasting hope.  In his depression, I’m glad the writer wrote to give us joy and hope.

Question:

1. Is your focus more on the Lord or others?
2. When you are depressed, does He alone satisfy you?
3. Do you remind yourself to hope in God and praise Him when you are down?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your presence that brings joy, hope, strength, and reassurance.  When I am down, You lift me up.  When I feel defeated, You are my victory.  I will praise You, my hope and joy.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.