When God Feels Far Away
All of us at one time or another have felt distant from God. There are circumstances in our lives that are deeply trying to our souls. These hard trials can lead to sadness and even despair. These circumstances in the life of the believer are not uncommon, and can be overcome, as we shall see in Psalm 43.
The psalmist begins by crying out to God and asking Him for vindication and deliverance from the wickedness of this world and lies (1). Their lies have caused him great sadness (2). His circumstances are confusing, he feels abandoned by God (2). Yet, even in the midst of dark times, the psalmist’s faith remains strong. He prays for God to send His light and truth (3). The Holy Spirit (light) and the word of God (truth) are what every believer needs to understand his circumstances and remain faithful in the midst of them. The Scriptures focus the psalmist’s attention away from his circumstances and unto God Himself (3-4).
We can see this in the words of the psalmist. He begins by focusing on his hard circumstances, and through the work of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures he moves closer and closer to God. The Scriptures lead him first to Mt Zion (“your holy hill”), then to the temple (“your dwelling place”), next to the altar of God, and finally to God Himself (3-4). His attention is directed away from his circumstances and unto worship of God Himself (4).
In the end of the psalm, he is asking himself why is he even in despair? God is his hope (5). Brethren, when you are crushed in spirit, confused, and sad, draw near to God and He will draw near to you (Ps 145:18; Philippians 4:5).