A Study Of Psalm 43 Series

A Study of Psalm 43

Psalm 43

Introduction

- Wed night format; opportunity to study together from our homes

-- Re: Invite someone else to join in - not an exclusive study for "just LFC"

- Psalms are songs of praise and words of encouragement/warning

-- They are also written to give us guidance and encouragement to live for God

- Last week we asked, "Have you ever suffered from depression?

- This week we ask, "Are you currently suffering from depression?"

-- Reason we ask is that the bible actually tells us how to combat this

- Depression is a disease that affects many … and in many forms

-- I've suffered from it, and I understand it's debilitating effect on life

-- Especially, being able to live life joyfully -- or live life to the fullest as bible says

-- Prayerfully, we will see how this is possible, even though it seems impossible

- Psalm 42 and 43 were written together - originally intended to be one Psalm

-- Tonight, we examine Psalm 43 and conclude David's thoughts on this

- Read Psalm 43:1-5/ Pray

- Quick recap of David's reasons for depression (ref: Psalm 42)

" Missed public worship; missed being part of church community

" Suffered verbal ridicule; enemies continue to rail against him

" He remembers past memories; remember when life was "good"

" Depressed due to physical separation; longs for homeland

" Depressed to overwhelming trials; literally drowning in problems

" Depressed due to sleepless nights; confesses God is with him day/night

" Depressed due to unanswered prayer; God has not relieved him

" Depressed due to difficult people; the people keep on coming…

- Question: Have we ever felt this way? Encourage that God knows …

- This feeling leads David to cry out with four specific prayers …

Point 1 - Prayer for vindication

" Plead my cause (v1a)

- David's desire is that God would be his judge; and his defender

-- He is under attack (by an ungodly nation), and he wants God's protection

-- His prayer: protect me and show me to be innocent (vindicate me)

" Preserve my life (v1b)

- Specific: "Rescue me"; from those who seek to do me harm

-- APP: When we are depressed, we can cry out to God for rescue from attacks

-- Whether physical or emotional - God is available to vindicate us

Point 2 - Prayer for mourning

" Why have you rejected me? (v2a)

- First, he professes that God is his fortress (stronghold); defender

-- This confession puts him under God's authority - submits to Him

-- However, he feels rejected (alone, without hope, languishing)

-- And in this, he asks about the future: "Why must I go about mourning"

" Or, why must I be repressed? (v2b)

- His emotional state is clear: You are my God … but I feel rejected by you

-- APP: It is in this place that I believe God works best

-- When we stop trying to be in control, and devote ourselves to Him

- When we submit to Him, place ourselves under His authority & cry out

-- Psalm 143:1, "LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy"

- Jesus prayed the same: Luke 22:42, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

- APP: This is why Jesus is great comforter - He knows what you're dealing with

Point 3 - Prayer for restoration

- Guide me to your temple (v3-4)

-- David specifically asks for a way to get closer to God

-- Re: He misses when he was able to worship, to spend time with God

- His desire is to get back to that place - so he asks for:

" God's light (for direction)

" God's care (for protection)

- With these, he will be able to accomplish his heart's desire:

" I will go to the altar

" I will praise you

Meaning:

- Being led to where he can meet with God …

- … He will find rest, fellowship, and delight in God's presence

- He will worship in song, and God will be his joy (IMP: God alone is joy)

- Love this: David's desire, is to meet with God, for worship

-- It is where he finds peace; where he loves to be (in God's house) - Do you?

- APP: Church is not about us … it is not there for us to consume

-- Whether you go to church or not - know God wants to meet with you too

-- We know that there is great fellowship to be had in worship together

- Heb. 10:24-25 tells us to not give up on meeting together …