First, God my stronghold (1-2,5). This psalm is a continuation of Psalm 42, with the same refrain: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (43:5; 42:5,11). He describes his enemies who are oppressing him as "an unfaithful nation" and the "deceitful and wicked" (1). He prays for God's vindication and rescue. God is his refuge and stronghold, but he feels rejected and oppressed by the enemy. When we are oppressed or feel downcast, God is our stronghold and rescue.

Second, send your light and faithful care (3-4). The psalmist prays, "Send your light and your faithful care, let them lead me…to your holy mountain… where you dwell." The LORD and his word are our light and salvation (Ps 27:1; 119:105). God turns our darkness to light. God's faithful care leads us to worship him even more. God was the psalmist's joy and delight; he only wanted to return to God's altar to praise him (4).


Application: God, you are my stronghold, my light, and my salvation. May my lips and my life praise you.
One Word: God is my stronghold, joy, and delight