June 3 – Reading 154

JUNE 3 – Reading 154

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | June 3

“HOPE IN GOD”
(Psalms 42:1–11; 43:1–5; 44:1–26; 45:1–17)

“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.” – Psalm 43:5 (ESV)

There was a season in my life marked by deep grief, profound loss, and what felt like an unrelenting sorrow. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced the passing of my father, a loss that pierced my heart. Almost simultaneously, a close friend, someone I trusted and shared both personal and professional life with daily, experienced a devastating moral failure. In an instant, the people who had been foundational to my life and ministry were gone.

Like many others during that time, I was already battling the emotional weight of isolation, the disruption of community, and the unsettling reality that much of the ministry we had carefully built over decades had come to a screeching halt due to New Jersey’s statewide restrictions. While my faith in God never wavered, I found myself trapped in what seemed like a perpetual state of mourning. Days blurred together, and internally, I echoed the cry of Psalm 43: “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” (v.3).

I came to realize that healing and joy would only be found in the presence of God. I needed to return—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually—to His altar. I had to surrender all of my pain, loss, and disorientation if I ever hoped to praise Him with authenticity again. It wasn’t strategy, structure, or strength that would pull me out of the fog. His presence was—and is—the only solution.

Understanding Psalm 43 

Psalm 43 is a raw and reverent expression of a believer crying out from the depths of sorrow. Though short in length, it captures the emotional turmoil of one who feels abandoned, mistreated, and spiritually disoriented. The psalmist’s words echo the ache of anyone who has walked through grief, disappointment, or spiritual darkness.

What stands out is the repeated refrain: “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” This rhetorical question reflects a deep internal struggle—a kind of spiritual self-counseling. The psalmist doesn’t hide his turmoil. He names it. Yet he doesn’t end with despair. He pivots to faith: “Hope in God.” This hope is not wishful thinking—it is an intentional decision to trust God’s unchanging nature in the face of shifting and painful realities.

Verse 4 is a turning point: “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy.” The altar was the place of sacrifice, of surrender, and of worship. For those of us mourning loss or battling discouragement, the way forward is not through avoidance or numbness—it is through encounter. The altar is where our grief meets His glory. The presence of God becomes our exceeding joy, not because the pain disappears instantly, but because He meets us right in the middle of it.

New Testament Connection

In Jesus, the psalmist’s longing finds its fulfillment. He is the Light of the World (John 8:12) and the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). When we ask, “Send out Your light and Your truth,” we are ultimately asking for Jesus. He is our guide back to the Father’s heart, our access to the holy hill, and the One who restores our capacity to praise.

Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that we have a High Priest who understands our weaknesses and welcomes us to the throne of grace. And Romans 15:13 declares that “the God of hope” fills us with joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus not only understands our sorrow—He redeems it. His resurrection assures us that mourning is never the final chapter.

Practical Application

1. Name your pain. God invites you to be honest about your sorrow. Your grief or silence does not threaten him. Like the psalmist, start with authenticity.
2. Anchor your hope. Don’t let your emotions lead the way. Preach to your soul. Anchor your hope in God’s unchanging character and faithful promises.
3. Return to the altar. The presence of God is where joy is restored. Whether through worship, prayer, or quiet surrender, draw near to Him again.
4. Pursue the Light and Truth. In seasons of darkness, pursue the person of Jesus through the Word. His light will guide you back to hope.

Reflection Questions:

• Are there areas in your soul today that feel cast down or in turmoil?
• What does “returning to the altar” look like in your life right now?
• In what ways can you intentionally cultivate the presence of God to experience joy again?

Closing Prayer:
Father, I come to You honestly. There have been seasons where I’ve felt buried in sorrow and surrounded by darkness. But today, I choose to return to Your altar. Send out Your light and Your truth to lead me back to joy. Let Your presence be my exceeding joy once again. Teach me to hope in You and praise You even when my soul feels weary. You are my salvation and my God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.