David Prayed For Vindication From His Enemies

Commentary

As a Christian what we need to do is to stop looking at the past and start looking to the future. The answer to depression is hope. Hope is not just a “hope” As a child we may have hoped that we would get a new toy but there was no assurance that we would get it. When our hope is not in ourselves or in our circumstances but is in Christ it is guaranteed. Psalm 42 leads into this Psalm. First, the Psalmist expresses his deep longing for God (Psa. 42:1-5). Then he expresses his sad lament and dejection before God (Psa. 42:6-11). Finally, he expresses in this passage his full confidence in God (Psa. 43:1-5). This progresses from longing to perplexity and finally trust.

In this Psalm the writer lists his hopes:

1. God will one day defeat the enemy and give victory (v. 1). Sometimes God moves with great power and deliverance, and at other times he is more patient and slower in bringing about judgment. Either way, deliverance is in our future, and this should be out hope.
2. God will be his strength (v. 2). God may not change our circumstances, but we can be sure He will enable us to face them. He is enough for us.
3. God will give life direction (v. 3). He desires to lead us in all our decisions.
4. God will give joy (v. 4). If we seek our joy from feelings or circumstances, we will be disappointed. Joy is found in God and in God’s Word.
5. God will put praise on his lips (v. 5). Hope isn’t just something we have in our hearts. It shows on our faces so others will see it. They can hear it in our words and songs.

Application

Philip Brooks in his book on “Visions and Tasks” says. “Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.” Lord, help this to be true in my life! I have the choice of living a life that is full of hope or a life that is filled with despair.