Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 43 – 6-13-20
This Psalm has a deep connection with Psalms 42 and continues in a similar pattern. David’s cry for vindication from the oppression of his enemies is very real. He knew what it meant to be chosen by God, yet rejected by the people God called him to serve as king. Not only did he face the enemies of the surrounding heathen nations, but many of the people he loved and served turned on him during his reign. It must have seemed at times that God had truly forsaken him and was not listening to his prayers. Have you ever been there?
Psalms 43:3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.NIV
These verses tell us what can change our outlook on God and know His presence and power in our lives. We need to pray that the Lord will enlighten us to the truth of His Word and allow His Spirit to guide us and direct us in returning our hearts to walk with Him in His presence. The words of the Psalms ask for God to direct us to His holy mountain, the temple mount, and His presence in the temple.
For us today, that is not necessarily back to church, although we are commanded to assemble together, but we need God’s Word to direct us back to a Spirit led walk and longing for His presence. We cannot let the things of this world become more important then being directed by His Word and obeying it as we walk close to the Lord as His indwelling Spirit leads us. I cannot let the troubles of the world take away from me that God’s Spirit dwells in me and He wants nothing more than close communication and relationship with me as His child.
One of the hardest parts of this period of time in my life was the separation from my family. Not being able to hug my kids and be close to my grandkids was breaking my heart and spirit. I could call them, see them on computer and phone, but there is nothing like being able to give hugs and kisses when I tell them I love them. Can You imagine God’s heart? He resides within us and longs to give us spiritual hugs and love, but we are to busy to read His word, listen to His Spirit, and pray and commune with Him. Don’t be downcast or disturbed, put your hope in God and begin to praise Him in the Storm!
Father, I really need the light of your word and truth to guide me. I need to return to my first love and longing for You. Help me to find my joy and my delight in You. Forgive me for ignoring my time with You when You are always there for me. Thank You for having a Father’s heart for me, full of love and care. Help me to rest in Your presence. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob