A Devotion on Psalm 43: Seeking God’s Light in the Shadows

Oh, how often I’ve found myself in the depths of discouragement, feeling oppressed by the world’s injustices and my own inner turmoil. It’s in those moments that I turn to the Psalms, where David’s raw cries mirror my own heart. Psalm 43 speaks directly to that longing for God’s presence amid adversity. Let’s read it together:

Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. For you are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy hill, to your dwelling! 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. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43, NIV)

In this short but powerful psalm, I see David pouring out his soul to God, much like I do when life feels overwhelming. He’s not afraid to question why God seems distant—”Why have you rejected me?“—yet he anchors himself in the truth that God is his stronghold. I’ve been there, wondering why the Lord allows oppression from deceitful people or circumstances that weigh me down. But as I reflect, I remember that our strength comes not from our own efforts, but from the sovereign God who never truly abandons His children.

Charles Spurgeon, in his Treasury of David, captures this beautifully when he notes on verse 1: “One good word from God outweighs ten thousand railing speeches of men.” It’s a reminder that in the face of an ungodly world, I can appeal to God’s justice, trusting Him to vindicate me rather than seeking revenge myself. Spurgeon further explains that deceit and injustice are close companions, but God’s deliverance is sure for those who cry out to Him.

Matthew Henry echoes this in his commentary, urging us to remember God’s mercies amid misery. On the psalm as a whole, he writes: “The way to forget our miseries, is to remember the God of our mercies.” David saw troubles as potentially coming from God’s wrath, which discouraged him, but Henry points out that if trials combine against us, they are still appointed and overruled by the Lord. This encourages me to shift my focus from my problems to the God who orchestrates all things for my good.

John Calvin highlights the depth of David’s sorrow, not just from enemies, but from being cut off from worship. Commenting on verse 3, he says: “The chief cause of his sorrow consisted in his being banished from the congregation of the godly, so he places the height of all his enjoyments in this, that he might be at liberty to take part in the exercises of religion.” Oh, how true this rings for me! When I feel distant from God, it’s often because I’ve neglected gathering with His people or approaching His altar in prayer. David prays for God’s light and truth to lead him back to the holy hill—symbolizing the temple, but for us today, pointing to intimate communion through Christ. Calvin reminds us that God’s favor dispels sorrow, and His promises are the foundation of our faith.

In a sermon on the elements of joy, John MacArthur connects Psalms 42 and 43, describing the psalmist’s distress as an unsatisfied longing for God. He quotes verse 4: “Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy,” emphasizing that true joy is found in God’s presence, not circumstances. MacArthur teaches that spiritual joy is a gift from the Holy Spirit, produced in us as we believe the gospel, obey God’s Word, and endure trials with an eternal perspective. Even in despair, the psalmist interrogates his soul—”Why are you downcast?“—and resolves to hope in God, knowing praise will follow.

Reflection:

As I meditate on this, I challenge myself: Why let my soul stay disturbed when God is my exceeding joy? In my daily life, this means turning to Scripture and prayer when enemies—whether people, doubts, or sins—oppress me. It means seeking the light of Christ to guide me back to worship, perhaps by attending church faithfully or praising Him in my quiet times. Like David, I can resolve to praise God with whatever “harp” I have—my voice, my actions, my trust.

Prayer:

Lord, my God, send out Your light and truth to lead me today. Deliver me from deceit and oppression, and draw me near to Your altar. You are my exceeding joy, the health of my countenance. Help me hope in You alone, that I may yet praise You. Amen.