Hope in God

Psalm 42:5,11 ; 43:5  ESV 

Why are you cast down, O my Soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. 

When an idea or text is repeated by the biblical author it is important. This is a rule that any and every student of the bible needs to understand and remember. Two Psalms have used this line, Psalm 42 using it twice, once in the middle once at the end, and Psalm 43 using it as the conclusion of it as well. The conflict between what a person "knows" and what a person "feels" is accentuated here for the biblical reader. 

The conflict is one that every person has had to wrestle with. Which is more powerful? How this question is answered can mean the difference between divorce and fifty years of marital bliss. Does a person give way to the whims of emotion or hold to the rock of knowledge? 

As God inspires the Psalmist the reader feels the pain of the writer. His soul panting for God "as the deer", this is not a pretty picture this is one of agony, longing, tremendous desire, that if not quenched death is at the door! The picture builds as the reader continues through the text, My soul thirsts for God" (vs 2), "My tears have been my food" (vs 3), "I pour out my soul" (vs 4). The reader is drawn into this utter helps feeling of longing for what is not forthcoming. When will the agony of longing finally be realized? When will God finally ease the pain of "unanswered desire"? 

The Psalmist answers all of these questions with rhetorical questions, (How like God to answer questions with a question!) followed by advice and cold hard facts. "Hope in God" the direction to continue in hope because the one hoped in is always faithful! The reality that the one hoped in is only salvation from the "realities" that have overwhelmed us, and the savior is GOD.  

Do you find the endless battle for your heart to be exhausting? As the grind of the "realities" of this life wear against your hope. Find your Hope in God, he is your only salvation from the struggle. In Jesus we will be clothed in white and praise him in the sanctuary. For those who hope in him will with David say "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." (Psalm 17:5) 

CRUCE, DUM SPIRO, FIDO