Psalm 43

Psalm 43 is often seen as a continuation of psalm 42. This is also written by the Sons of Korah and continues as a Messianic psalm. The heading  or title of this psalm is " Prayer to God in Time of Trouble." In this psalm it is the remnant of Israel that is speaking. We can see this in the first verse," Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation."  So the nation of Israel has once again turned away from God and the remnant (God ALWAYS leaves a remnant) is asking for God to protect them from the ungodly and also is asking God to plead their Godly cause ! This all speaks to us today as the saved that are praying for the unsaved and asking God to show them the light (Jesus). Verse 5 says," Why are you cast down, O my soul ? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God;" After 4 verses of asking God for help this is their answer ... Hope in God !!! This is exactly what our life and salvation is all about !! Our whole salvation and our 2nd life is ALL depending and our hopes are hanging on God to save us ! There is no plan B...No 2nd chance.....No fall back plan....All of our hope is in God !!!

Psalm 42

This psalm is titled 'Yearning for God in the midst of Distress".It is written by the Sons of Korah. Korah was killed by God for leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. However his sons were spared and they end up contributing a total of 11 psalms. Psalm 42 is also the start of Book 2 of psalms.

The first line of this psalm was made famous when General Patton was praying just before a battle in the movie Patton. It is unclear what the issues were surrounding this psalm, but what is clear is the author is in extreme distress !  This psalm is easily divided in half. The first half describes his drought of not having God with him in his distress. This is seen right from the start with that famous verse," As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God."  (Verse 1) He goes on for 6 verses to talk about being without God. This shows us our life before being saved !  Our soul pants after God and we do not respond but go with the crowd.  The second part of this psalm is when God fills him and answers his pleading ! "All of your waves and billows have gone over me." (verse 7) The rest of this psalm talks about the continuing between his soul missing God and his Faith in God no matter what the circumstances !  This can be seen here, "Why do I go mourning because of the mourning of the oppression of the enemy?" (verse 9) This psalm is a great example of the battle that goes on for our soul. Even when saved and have much faith in God, we are human and the battle is constant for our soul !!!

Psalm 41

"Blessed" is the word that bookends this psalm. "Blessed is he who considers the poor..." (verse 1) "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ..." (verse 13).  This is a messianic psalm that Jesus quotes from twice. One verse foretells of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. " Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heal against me" (verse 9) We can see this because Jesus uses this verse when describing His betrayer, Judas ! " But you O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them."(verse 10) This verse refers to the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The familiar format of this psalm starts with praise for and to God, then David makes his case to God, then closes with his thanks and praise to God. We learned earlier that praise brings down the glory of God ! In this case David is making the case that all are against him and after his life. This part of the psalm shows how all sin is out to steal, kill, and destroy us. Verse 10 shows that God will save him and protect him from his enemies. This shows us that though we are due hell for our sin, God has given us a way to be saved. Lastly, David gives thanks to God for protecting him against his enemies. We should all do this in all ways because God has given us a way to be saved from our sin and spend eternity with Him !!! Praise God .

Psalm 40

This rather long psalm is a messianic psalm that foretells the death of Jesus. This psalm is also quoted many times in the New Testament (mostly in Hebrews). In the very first verse we see David crying out to the Lord and He answered. This represents our need for a savior and the Father answers us by sending Jesus !

Now remember this was written in the time of the law which means animal sacrifices. Then why does David say, " Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears you have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offering you did not require. Then I said," Behold I have come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me...""  (Verses 6 and 7) ?  Here David is talking about the love God has for His people ! He knows we need saved but burnt offerings is not what we need nor is it what He wants. He will send His Son as our sacrifice to be nailed to the cross (My ears you have opened). David even mentions "The book", this is talking about the book of life that has all the names of Gods people who have been saved. (Revelation).

"Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;..." (verse 16)  and again, " But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God." (verse 17) Throughout this psalm David is talking about needing and getting a savior and how much he needs one. ( Don't we all !!! ) Then in the last 2 verses he comes right out and says how needy he is and that God is the only one who can save him. God is his deliverer and he is yours also !!!