Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Scripture

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.” Psalm 43:5

Reflections

Have you ever had times when you haven’t felt like praising God in song?  Perhaps you’re living a difficult chapter when things just don’t seem right?

Psalm 43 is a poem of faith for those cold nights when one doesn’t feel the flames of faith flickering too warmly in one’s soul.  It begins with wailing, a cry for vindication and deliverance.  The cry goes out to God, and it seems as if God is nowhere to be found.

Apartheid survivor Pastor T. Simon Farisani in his book, Diary from a South African Prison, described the torture he endured at the hands of his oppressors.  Among other tortures, he described having electrodes attached to his genitals and being shocked, while his tortures laughed, “Where is your God now?”  Even Jesus cried out while on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46)

We may feel abandoned, but we must also remember that this is not the end of the story.  God will come again and make things right.  All the pain and sorrow and injustice of the moment will be nothing more than history.  The desire to praise God for his goodness will once again be restored.  We have no true hope apart from God.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being my only true hope.  When I feel like my flames of faith are flickering, turn my eyes upon You and the future you have for me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 43